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THE 

PRiESIDlCIDE: 

jSL 3ROE33ia;, 

BY 

Author of 



«11TS OF AXCIEST TIMES," 

"THE BRIDE OF GETTYSBURG," &c. &C. 




UDCCC LXVIII. . 






COPYRIGHT SECURED ACCORDING TO LAW. 



MEICHEL A PLUMLY, Printere, N. E. cor. Third and Race Sts. 



f^3 



PREFACE. 



The scene of this Poem, which ia in the form of a Monologue, 
is laid in a barn amidst the swamps and fens of Maryland, to 
which Booth made his escape after the Murder of the President. 
I have endeavored to make available for poetical composition 
the most striking events in the history of the conspiracy, down 
to the night when Booth and his associates set out on their 
errands of Murder, and in doing so, except in minor and imma- 
terial matters, necessary for the construction of a Poem of this 
length, I have not deviated in my view of the Conspiracy from 
that taken by the Government. I have founded my idea of the 
character of Booth, on the descriptions of him given by those 
who seem to have been best acquainted with him, and who re- 
present him as a man high in his own conceit, proud, rash, haz- 
ardous, boastful, and prone to be quarrelsome, with little care 
for anytjiing except the gratification of his own whims and 
desires. 



PHILADELPHLV, March 1868. 



E IE?/ :r. J^ T .^. 



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THE PR^SIDICIDE 

I. 

Dark, dark tlie night is closing in, 

Fast falls tlie pelting rain, 
And o'er the moors terrific roars 

The driving hurricane. 
With every blast that comes I hear 

The roar of far off seas, 
And on the distant fells I hear 

The crash of falling trees. 
Deep and fast nights' mirky mantle 

With tomb-like darkness falls, 
Yv^hile eagle unto eagle screams, 

To vulture, vulture calls. 
The sheep within the far off fold 

Haise oft a mournful cry, 
And oft I hear the night hawks' scream 

As round and round they fly. 
Amidst the crashing reeling groves 

I hear the croaking owl ; 
The ravens shriek, and far away 

I hear the watch-dogs howl. 
Ho ! the demons of the tempest 

Now ride abroad sublime — 
In all their wildest terrors clothed, 

As in gome tropic clime. ^Sj^t 

Now flash the forked lightning bolts, ^^^^ 

And loud the thunders boom^ 
The world a moments light they give. 

Then tumult and dense gloom. 



THE PR^S IDICID E. 

There's a moment's pause, a silence 

Awful, deep and dread, 
As though the warring elements 

Were now benumbed or dead. 
They pause like fierce contending hosts 

Upon a bloody heath, 
"When night has hidden shield and helm, 

And spear, and sword, and sheath. 
And all in moody silence halt 

To catch a moment's breath. 
Ere the columns close for aye — 

In the awful grasp of death. 
Now comes a trembling o'er the world, 

As though the teeming earth 
Were labouring with volcanic throes, 

O'er some stupendous birth ! 
And lightnings flash and peal, as though 

To rend earth's giant frame. 
And strove to make the heavens wear 

A zone of gleamy flame. 
The tempests shriek, the torrents roar 

In headlong fury by. 
Oh, there is madness on the earth, 

And anger in the sky ! 
And there is madness in my soul, 

And horror in my mind, 
Sorrow, Remorse and grim Despair, 

All visit me combined. 
For gnawing Hunger, Want and Pain, 

Like coiling adders cling 
Round all my throbbing, vital parts, 

And pierce, and tear, and sting. 
Despised and lone and trodden down. 

Dark with the clouds of sin — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Savage and fierce and low and vile 

Is all the soul vvithin — 
Nor can it e'er from grief and woe 

A moments respite win. 
Ah, yes, I ever more must be 

As at this cursed time — 
A wreck cast on the shore of woe 

By blasts and waves of crime ! 
Deep, deep each sound strikes in my soul 

That booms upon my ear, 
As though this awful night some fiend 

Would dash me down with fear. 
Was it a spirit of the dead, 

Or but the howling storm 
That shakes this damp and dismal bield— 

That just now touched my lorm ? 
I felt fingers passing through my hair, 

A hand upon my brow, 
A breath breathe on my burning cheek, — 

Aha, I feel them now ! 
If you are indeed a spirit 

In form, and face like man — 
I will defy you to the last, 

So do the worst you can. 
Come, if you will, and do 3-our worst 

While here I lie alone. 
While no mortal is nigh to hear 

My sad and frequent groan. 
Come, fiend or devil, what you are 

Your terrors round me cast; 
Bring all hell's ghastly spectres near^ 

And call up all my past. 
But think not while on earth I stay. 

Though racked with mad despair — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

YoTi have power to stay my thoughts, 
Or make me quail with fear. 

II. 

Ho ! Ho ! what form was that I saw, 

All clad in robes of white ! 
That just now crossed this dismal floor — 

When came yoU^flash of light ? 
Was it indeed a human form, 

Or spirit of the dead? 
His stature was tall and stately, 

And wide his shoulders spread, 
And his eyes they shone like fire, 

Yet noiseless was his tread. 
But I have seen tliat form before. 

And that bold open stare, 
Yea, a hundred times and more — 

Just as I saw them there. 
They're the features and the form 

Of the noblest man on earth, 
More than Washington and Caesar 

In glory and in worth. 
As noble and as good a man, 

As free from lust and crime. 
As ever trod this world of woe 

Throuirh all the tide of time. 
A soul that no mean thought can touch 

Through joy, or sorrow dun, 
More than the lightning's fearful bolt 

Can strike the glowing sun. 
The man who never shunned a friend, 

Who felt for others w e. 
And ever ready to forgive 

His most inveterate foe. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Yea, the generous and the kind, 

The bounticus and the free. 
The open heart and hand, in joy, 

Or dark adversity, 
The man of all mankind — least 

Has ever injured me. 
His like the land shall see no more, 

He the wisest, noblest, best, 
Who stood midst the wise men of the land 

King-like, high o'er the rest. 
He whose constant prayer was peace, 

And for it strove like man — 
When Treason's hideous trumpet blared, 

And when the war began, 
He who held to the rebels all 

The olive branch in view, 
Who only sought to pardon them — 

Not force the vengeance due ; 
Hail them with open hand and heart, 

With friendship warm and true, 
Bid war and desolation cease, 

And yet that man I slew. 

III. 

Ah! had I died long, long ago 

While in my early prime, 
Ah ! wherefore was I ever born 

To grow so deep in crime ? 
Why did I ne'er fall in battle 

When rushing with the brave, 
Or when a ship boy, in the deep 

Ne'er find an early grave ? 
Why was I ne'er hurl'd off the mast ? 

"For there I loved to go 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

When thunders bellow'd over head, 

And billows roar'd below, 
Ay, then Td sit and sing and laugh 

Till pass'd the storm away, 
While all the trembling crew below 

Had kneel'd in fear to pray. 
Oh ! had I lived an humble man 

Within some mountain glen ; 
Oh ! had I never roam'd this world 

And mix'd with sinful men 
I ne'er had done the horrid deed 

That causes all my woe. 
And makes me an outcast and felon, 

No matter where I go. 
No matter where on earth I tread 

Men will pursue my path ; 
And though I 'scape all human laws 

I can't Grod's bui-ning wrath. 

IV. 

Ho ! IIo ! what noise is that without, 

That shakes this dismal bield ? 
Lo ! 'tis the deepening storm, 's death ! 

How dread that thunder peal'd. 
Ah would to God ! that yonder clouds, 

That red with lightnings glow, 
And with their awful thunders seem 

To rock the world below, 
Would now but bellow nearer mc. 

And burst upon my head. 
And all thoughts of the past drive out, 

And leave me with the dead. 
Ah ! might one fell bolt from heaven, 

Come crashing through my frame — 



THE PR^SIDICIDK. 

Send my spirit whirling aloft 

On wings of dazzling flame. 
Myself I now would stay with joy, 

And men forever shun; 
But then an angry God I'd meet, 

With twice fold murder done. 
Oh ! could I wander forth alone 

To some strange savage land — 
That ne'er was trod by human foot, 

Or touched by human hand, 
Yea, thither would I fly with haste, 

Though racked with mad despair, 
And shun all human kind for aye, 

And all I once held dear, 
I'd hold my still communion 

Day and night with God alone, 
And with repentance and with prayer 

For all my guilt atone. 
For I had sooner trust for mercy 

From the all righteous God — 
Than unto the kindest mortal, 

That e'er this world has trod. 
Nor could I ought of mercy crave 

From any mortal man, 
For I have warr'd 'gainst human kind 

Since first my life began. 
Ah yes, against my fellow kind 

My hand has always striven, 
Till now, when e'er they breathe my name- 

They quake and shudder at the same. 
As trees by lightning riven. 

Nor shall they e'er take me living 
To judge me for my crime, 

If but one bare chance be left me 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 11 

To end my earthly time. 

They ne'er shall try me for the deed 
By mortal code and rule, 

Man deals towards man by his own laws 
And acts just like a fool, 

And all are just aa vile as I, 
As much the devil's tool. 

No, God alone shall he my judge, 
When at His throne on high, 

The murder'd and the murderer 
Shall meet before his eye. 

Ay, there Til see the man I slew, 
And once more view his face, 

There hear my awful doom pronounced, 
Go to my appointed place. 



Oh God ! 'tis sad to sit and think ^ 

On awful things like these, I 

And know the soul must some day face | 

The dread realities. 
The soul must some day give account 

Of all its deeds on earth, 
Yea, uncover every secret crime I 

And thoughts that gave it birth. -| 

Man we may cheat, but never God, 1 

What He has will'd shall stand i 

Through all eternity, upheld j 

By His eternal hand ; 
And though I 'scape all human laws, ;] 

And prosper here awhile, J 

What mercy can I crave from God, 

Would He pardon one so vile ? ■' 

Ah, it seems hard the soul should mourn, 



12 THE PRyESIDICIDE. 

Through everlasting time — 
For deeds done in its earthly frame, 

The body's acts of crime. 
Say, has the immortal spirit — 

That thing, we call man's soul, — 
O'er deeds and actions of his flesh, 

Such vast divine control ? 
I If so, why do we always sin 

From the hour of birth — 
'Till we die and the spirit gives 

The body to the earth ? 
I cannot tell, but this I think, 

That if the soul of man — 
When first unto this world it came, 

And first its course began — 
Own'd such light and power divine, 

As priests and preachers say, 
To keep its earthly form from sin, 

And o'er it hold its sway. 
Myself had never sinn'd at all, 

As through this life I trod, 
And the best of men had held 

A stricter walk with God. 
I've done no deed in all my life, 

That had a taint of sin — 
But I felt deep remorse, and hoped 

Forgiveness soon to win. 
I never doubted from the first, 

There was a God on high, 
And if I be by him condemn'd. 

Woe takes me, when I die. 
Oft I've felt a something in me, 

It must have been my soul, ^ 

Or some unseen divine agent 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 13 



That o'er me held control. 
Fve felt it from the paths of sin, 

Warn me many a timej 
But flesh had greater sway, and the 

Devil urged me on to crime. 
So when I die, my spirit goes, 

My God alone knows where. 
Ah ! must it mourn for all the sin. 

Its mortal frame did here ? 
Ah ! must it linger through all time 

In everlastiog woe, 
Though it warr'd with its wayward flesh, 

While here on earth below? 
Will it not rise on wings of light ? 

Soar back to whence it sprung, 
To whence be2;an its lii2;ht and life ; 

No more with anguish wrung! 
Like the distant wandering comet 

When its far course is run, 
That homewards turns -with light and joy 

And mingles with the sun ! 
Yea, when it leaves its earthly home. 

Rejoicing to be free 
Aye from sin, is it doom'd alone 

To endless misery? 
When it departs and leaves its ciay. 

We mortals see it not, 
We only know, that life has gone, 

And then proud man is what ? 
A load of useless clay, that soon 

Grows hurtful to the view — 
And swell of all his fellow men — 

Ay^, all he loved and knew. 
And soon in earth he's hid from sight, 



1-i THE PR^SIDICIDK. 

Turns to the dust we spurn, 
For out of dust alone "we sprung, 

And to dust we shall return. 
And this is nature's mandate o'er us, 

That none shall shun he'ow, 
Man from the dust of earth was form'd- 

And back to dust shall go. 
And though Ave cover o'er our dead 

With massive marble tombs, 
Heap rock on rock above the grave, 

Till hijili to heaven it looms. 
Yet soon the hand of time will wear 

The monument away, 
E'er as the mountains of the world 

Waste, crumble, and decay. 
With time each stately monument 

Shall be to ruin huri'd, 
The grave wear down and scatter ua 

Unto the moving world. 
The dead we cast into the sea, 

May sink to ocean's floor, 
But soon the waters carry them 

Unto some distant shore. 
There to moulder into dust. 

As all frail human things, 
Be scatter'd o'er creation wide 

Upon the tempest wings. 

VI. 

3uch is the end of mortals all — 
The coward and the brave; 

Ayf, all alike must sink to dust, 
The peasant, king and slave. 

It is man's certain destiny. 



THE PRiESIDIOIDE. 15 

Yet, when we look at him — f 

He seems so like a god in move, 

And thought and form and limb, — 
It seems stran^re, one so high and grand 

Above all things on earth, 
Should carry out the blackest crimes, & 

That e'er all hell gave birth. — I 

Look at man, from that mind of his, 

What noble thoughts can shoot, 
Yet he'll glory in deeds, that would 

Disgrace the meanest brute. 
Look at him, who <;ould think but God 

Made so wonderful a thing; ,;, 

See the muscles, veins, nerves and bones, I 

That together move and spring. f 

Most complex, abstruse architecture I 

Is this form of man — | 

Of all the things, that God has placed I 

On earth's diurnal span. | 

Look at his orb of sio;ht and see 

How wonderful 'tis form'd, 
How frail the veins by which it with 

Life's crimson tide is warm'd ; 
Its arteries display the skill 

Of Him, who made them so. 
And bade the crimson floods send forth 

New vigor as they flow. 
Here, what a world of action moves 

Within so small a span, 
None, but the everlasting God ] 

So grand a thing could plan. 
And well his nervous system shows 

How wonderful he's framed, ** 

It through all time, the searching world's 



16 THE PRuE SID ICIDE . 

Astonishmftnt has claimed; 
When harm'd it carries swift as light 

The tidings to the brain — 
From thence, through all his fearful form 

The news is sent amain. 
As lightning the intelligence 

Is borne to every part, 
With all the system swift it blends 

And lifts the throbbing heart, 
That heart whose valves and ventricles 

So small and fragile seem, 
Through which forever night and day 

Flows life's warm crimson stream. 
Look at each ganglia and see 

How skilfully and grand — 
The veins and arteries are placed 

By the Eternal hand. 
And look on those frail Lacteals 

That gather in the chyle, 
From all that passes in their range, 

A strange unseemly pile, 
Life's nourishment they there distill 

Forever and for aye, 
Which through glands to the thoracic duct 

Forever wends its way. 
Help'd by small valves unto a vain 

Soon sweeps the priceless flood — 
Which swift within the heart is pour'd 

And forms the living blood. 
From thence unto the yielding lungs 

The dark red torrent flows. 
Soon cleansed and fill'd with oxygen — 

Back to the heart it goes. 
Then it sweeps through arteries 



THE PRuESIDICID E. 17 

Life-sending througli his form. 
Giving vigor to every part — ; 

Keeping it strong and warm. I 

Through arteries and capillaries | 

The heart its torrent sends, | 

Throughout his form, then back through veins | 

The living torrent wends. ; 

And as the blood is flowing on 

From and backward to the heart — 
Both life and death are going on, 

At every move and start : 
For cells forever grow and die 

As the blood rushes through 
The arteries and veins, as one dies 

Another forms anew, 
These, with all atoms of the blood 

Are downward pour'd amain — 
To the distant renal realm • 

Through many a winding drain ; 
And there 'tis purified, the good 

Unto the heart returns, 
While all the foul unhealthy Dart 

A spacious vault inurns. 
So through some fair fertile realm 

The waters sweep amain, 
Forever flowing on and on 

Eternal and the same; 
Their virtues to the lands they give, 

The forests bloom and grow, 
Fhea others come while they rush on 

To some abyss below. 

YIL 

Tell and devils ! what thoughts arc these 



18 THE PRiESIDICIDK. 

For one so steep'd in crime ? 
One who must bear the curse of man 

Until the end of time. 
Hell and fiends, what strange thoughts to fill 

The mind of one so low, 
What care I for spirit or for man 

In this my hour of woe ? 
What care I if his arteries, 

Capillaries and veins. 
Be countless as the panting streams 

Of Basra's spacious plains ? 
What care I how the crimson tide 

Throughout their winding flows ? 
Or for its maker's fearful skill 

Each thew and sinew shows? 
For I have slain the noblest man 

That e'er the sun beam'd on, 
He, who in worth and honors path 

A guiding meteor shone. 
Oh could I bring him back to life ! 

Make him breathe and speak again — 
I'd die ten thousand deaths and 

Suffer years of woe and pain. 
Devil, why didst thou urge me on 

To deal the mortal blow? 
By God and man I now am cursed, 

Thou laughs at all my woe. 
Could the cry of lamentation 

Arouse him from his sleep, 
Would it set his pulse abounding 

'Twere mine to wail and weep. 
Oh ! could I see him start to life 

And walk once more on earth, 
Ay, move as he was ever wont 



THE pK.i:L;ii>iciDi!:. 



27 




What joy to climb the cra<rgy fejls, 
Breathe in the wholesome air, 

Look around, view those works of God 
So wondrous, grand and fair. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 19 

In lip;lit and joy and mirth. 
Oh God ! it is an awful thing 

To shed life's sacred stream, 
To take the life God has given — 

What horror more extreme ? 
Yet I have done the demon act, 

And did it foul and fell, 
Done it as reckless and as stern 

As fiercest fiend in hell. 

VIII. 

Men say the smallest planets of 

Creation's endless round, 
Are those that nearest to the sun 

^ re ever to be found ; ' 

.d that through all revolving time 

iv cling round him the while, 
oicing in his light and warmth 

And glowing in his smile. 
So it is with little children, 

They nearer are to God, 
Than those who live to sterner years 

On earth's sepulchral clod. 
And had I died when but a child, 

A little babe just born, 
[ ne'er had drained sin's bitter cup, 

Nor worn a crown of thorn^. 
['d known no mental agony, *■ 

Nor felt sin's scourging rod, 
But as I came I had returned — 

An angel to my God. 
And those, methinks, that God doth call 

Unto an early rest. 
Are those poor children of this world 



20 THK PR^SIBICTDE. 

That are most truly blest. 
For some divine all wise design, 

He sends them here below 
But lets their mission cease on earth 

Ere they have felt its woe. 
As comets to the sun return, 

So back again to Him 
Their spirits go, and form His choir 

Of purest Seraphim. 
Holy, holy, grand, harmonious, 

Blissful, strong, sublime, 
Around His throne, their songs of praise 

Forever, ever chime. 

IX. 

Blow on ye winds forever blow 

O'er forest, moor and main, 
Ay, and howl and moan like demons 

In everlasting pain. 
Oh had I wings to mount the storm ! 

And fly to some far isle. 
That is unknown to man, unknown 

To sun or mornings smile ! 
There dwell unknown to God and man 

In everlasting gloom ; 
Unsought, forgot by both, and shun 

The murderer's awful doom ; 
Oh ! there I'd wander forth alone 

And care not where I go, 
For the fierce storms that there would moai 

Might sometimes drown my woe. 
And on that gloomy isle afar 

Where hurleys ever roar — 
Soon 'midst the storm should lie my form 



THE PR^SIBICIDE. 21 

In death to rise no more, 

'Without a thought, without a wish, 
Without the power to sigh, 

Ilnburied on those savafre moors 
This perished heart should lie. 

And with my form my soul should waste- 
Yea perish utterly, 

So that neither God nor man should 
E'er fina a trace of me. 

X. 

Ah ! wherefore should I longer live 

Oppress'd with woe and grief? 
Por no power on earth could give 

My throbbing pains relief. 
At every weary step I take, 

At every move and turn, 
My broken limb is racking me. 

My temples throb and burn. 
Oh God ! I do not fear to die. 

But oh ! it makes me rave, 
To think T — the once proud and bold — 

Must fill a felon's grave. 
It chiils the blood in every vein 

To think I — once renown'd — 
Should die a d'^ath of infamy, 

While thousands gaze around. 
Ah yes ! methinks I see it now — 

The gallows dark and high, 
Me standing 'neath the hideous drop 

A felon doom'd to die. 
I feel the cord round my neck 

In atonement for my guilt, 
And hear voices shout, die felon 



22 THE PRiESIDICIDE:. 

For blood that thou has spilt. 
Ay, myself I now can fancy 

Within their grasp and power, ^ 
Starved and chain'd and prisoned down. 

Within some dusky tower : 
And asking God to give me strength 

To burst my galling chain 
So I might 'gainst the gloomy walls 

Dash out my burning brain. 
Methinks I hear the laugh and shout — 

And hear the tramp of men, 
As hangmen come to bring me forth 

Out from the loathsome den. 
Ha ! they should see no fear in me 

I'd walk with stalwart tread 
Upon the scaflfold, and smiling 

Hold hiy:h my manly head. 
And this all men should say of me 

When ceased my vital breath, 
^•Though dark his soul with sin and crime 

'Twas face to face with death." 

XI. 

The time that T was born, why did 

Not death that instant come — 
With his dread all whelming power 

And smite me still and dumb ? 
W^hy did the earth not 'neath me rend 

And yawning take me in! 
Since I was born, alone for woe, 

And heaven I ne'er shall win ? 
Hark ! did I dream ? oi: did I hear 

A voice speak to me then ? 
Just as that crash of thunder peal'd 



THB PR^SIDICIDE. 2^ 

Throughout yon startled glen ? 
Methinks it said thou fool be still, 

Why mutter o'er thy past? 
Cease madman, cease to howl and rave, 

Thy doom is coming fast. 
It was no dream, for now I see 

A form distinct and clear, . 
But 'tis only a hell born fiend 

That comes to fright me here. 
And since it is a fiend that now 

Commands me to be still, 
I will not cease, and all me thoughts 

Shall wander as they will. 
I never fear'd a mortal foe, 

So shall not couch to him, 
Though he should rack me soul and form, 

Or tear me limb by limb. 
Hence, on your life you mocking fiend 

And jeer no more at me, 
Hence, fly to your accursed abode, 

Where only devils be. 
No shadowy fiend from hell like you— 

Hath strength or power to harm 
A mortal man, not half so much 

As a wasted cripple's arm. 
No, you are but va^ue empty air — 

A weak and feeble form, 
Driven from place to place o'er earth 

By every blast and storm. 
'Tis on such dreadful times as these 

At midniprht's murky hour — 
The devil sends ye forth from hellj 

Think you I quail and cower 
Beneath your vile hideous stare ? 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

By Keaven no, hence, fly, 
I am mortal man, and all liell 

And devils I defy. 
Though you drive men onward to sin 

At some unguarded time. 
You mock them in their hour of woe 

And jeer them for the crime. 
But you this head and arm I'll lend 

To work your deeds no more, 
Stop; Ho ! back, devils why in droves 

Do you now round me pour ? 
Ho ! away, leave me here alone. 

Hark, how they laugh and roar, 
See how they dance around me now 

And hold up human gore. 
Oh God ! is it so ? or do I dream ? 

Or am I going wild ? 
Upright stands my hair and it seems 

I tremble like a child. 
'Sdeath ! huge icy drops form fast 

Upon my burning brow, 
A chill runs all my marrow through, 

All hell seems round me now. 
Is it only imagination ^l\^ 

That limns you horrid things? 
Are they but visions of the night 

That come on fancy's wings 
To outcast sinful men like me ? 

"When they are rack'd with woe, 
Ay, torn in body and in mind, 

While fevers fiercest glow ! 
It must be that, it must be that. 

At least I'll have it so. 
And though I hate to view my past 



THE PRuES ID ICIDE. 25 

My thoughts shall wander free, 
God has given to mortal man 

A power call'd memory — 
And with her I will fearless back 

And all ray life review, 
Nor Care if spectres come around 

How many or how few. 
Adown the vista of the past — 

One sad lingering look I'll cast — 
Ere I sink into the grave, 

^or sure this night will be the last 
That I on earth shall rave. 

So blow ye tempests, howl and blow^ 
This night know no control, 

And peal ye awful thunders peal, 
And boom from pole to pole. 

Be my companions on this night — 
No human wretch is near, 

And while 1 mutter o'er my past 
Make music to my ear. 

XII. 

I remember, I remember, 

Though it is long ago, 
And yet it seems but yesterday 

Time comes and passes so. 
When early on one dewy morn 

With rifle and with hound. 
To hunt and spend the day in sport — 

Through mountain paths I wound. 
For still I've ever loved through life 

To hunt o'er fell and moor, 
To track unto his lair the wolf, 

Or meet the foamy boar. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

The dangers of the chase I loved 

Far more than aught on earth, 
It was my nature's drink and food 

Its glory and its mirth. 
What joy to climb the craggy fells, 

Breathe in the wholesome air, 
Look around, view those works of God 

So wondrous, grand and fnir. 
There was the place indeed for man 

To lift his thoughts to God, 
See the works of the Almighty Hand 

No matter where he trod. 
And oft upon some lofty fell 

Or in some silent glen, 
In those days I worshipped God while 

Apart from other men. 
Yea, like the first of human kind 

Upon the grassy sod, 
Alone, with meek and humble mind 

I send my thoughts to God. 
Perhaps propitious to my prayers 

He ne'er inclined His ear 
But that I'll in the future know 

When I at His throne appear. 
I yet have hope of mercy there, 

I'll trust Him for His grace, 
'Stead of all wrath and gloom, I yet 

May meet His smiling face. 
For surely He who made this world, 

And those that shine through space- 
Will pardon a repentant soul 

Not cast it from its race. 

XIII. 

Well, it was on that sunny morn • 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 27 

/-^ 

Long, long ago, as though 
Those well-known winding mountain paths 

My eager footsteps drew. 
An aged hoary man I met 

Beneath a cypress tree, 
Care-worn, and sad his features look'd, 

Although he smiled on me. 
33ut age had withered not his arm, 

Strong was his aged form, 
Though many years he show'd he'd braved 

Life's battle, toil and storm. 
Down o'er his ample swelling breast 

His locks were flowing free. 
And while I gazed on him I thought 

Of '^Old Mortality.'^ 
Upon his towering, stately head 

Nor hat, nor scarf he wore, 
And in his hand, all ghastly white 

A human skull he bore. 
Shortly 1 paused and gazed on him, — 

At length "old man" I said — 
''Wherefore dost thou sit alone, whither 

Plave thy companions fled ? 
Since they're all gone and left thee here, 

Arise and follow me, 
We'll chase the deer o'er hill and moor, 

And happy we shall be. 
For I always- loved from a child 

To go with the gray and old, 
And oft to wend with them I've left 

The sprightly, young and bold. 
Left them in the hour of mirth 

The song and dance and play^ 
So come old man and let us hunt, 



8 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Together spend the day/^ 
The while I spake adown his cheek 

A tear in silence stole, 
He turn'd his head to hide the drop, 

On earth I saw it roll. 
Though since that hour years have pass'd 

I often think of him, 
For ne'er before nor since I've seen 

Such giant thews and limb. 

XIV. 

"Alas my son" the old man said, 

**I have no friends en earth. 
Into the grave all those have gone 

Who shared my bliss and mirth. 
They're gone and left me here behind 

A weary sad old man. 
I'm left without a friend or foe 

The last of all my clan^ 
There's not one living in the world 

I knew when life began. 
Ilast thou ne'er noticed one lone leaf 

Clinging to its parent stem ? 
Swinging with the branches to and fro 

When storms are writhing them, 
Though all the rest are scattered wide 
^ Across the moor and lea ? 

Through all winter's storm and, shower 

Ilower rude it be — 
Still clinging to its parent limb 

That abandoned leaf we see ; 
And that lone leaf where ever seen 

An emblem stands of me ; 
^Tissnd indeed to see all die 



THE PR^SIDICIDI. 29 

Thou lovest, fondest best, 
To see them drop off one by one 

To everlasting rest. 
And leave thee here, Tithonus-like, 

Upon life's rugged road, 
Tottering to a long made grave 

And eager for that abode. 
Longing and glad to follow them 

And cast life's weary load. 
Orpheus-like I roam alone. 

Oft bitter tears will flow, 
And there's not one in all the world 

To ask my cause of woe. 
See'st thou this frail and hollow skull, 

That looks so white and beautiful ? 
And yet so calm and cold ? 

Oh ! it is dearer far to me 
Than all earth's shining gold. 

Once in this hollow cavern dwelt 
A grand immortal soul, 

That shall in glory live and glow 
When earth is but a scroll, 

Whose each impassioned thought and wish 
Had honor for its goal. 

A soul full of poetic fire — 
And energy divine, 

And of bright fancy and romance 
A rich, exhaugtless mine. 

And here was fair charity 
And pure religion's shrine. 

These are the lips whose melody 
Is with me, round me yet, 

These are the lips whose sunny smile 
My heart shall ne'er forget. 



30 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

These are the lips whose kindest breath 
Was always breathed for me, 

As hand in hand we journeyed on 
Adown life's whirling Bea. 

These are the lips whose voice was heard 
Like thunder o'er the world, 

When freedom raised a cry of pain ', 
His hand her flag unfurl'd — 

And stemm'd the tyrants of the earth ; 
Before his gory path 

They trembling flew, as sparrows fly 
The eagle's strength and wrath. 

Nor ever yet in peace or shine 
Or rolling battle tide — 

Alone he stood, this stalwart form 
Was ever at his side. 

For we were brothers, and together 
Into this world we came, 

And both alike together grew 
In spirit and in frame. 

When years flew on, and time forced down 
His body to the tomb, 

He seem'd all like a giant still 
In mind and strength and bloom. 

When time and storm had wash'd away 
The marble and the stones — 

And all the mould that wrapt his clay, 
I took his whiten'd bones 

From out their lonely resting place, 
And placed them in an urn ; 

And while I roam upon the world 
To earth they ne'er return. 

And they shall go o'er earth with me 
Be loved and honor'd still. 



THE PRuESIDICIDE. $1 

For wliile I have them in my arms 
He seems those arms to fill. 

Child, melanchcly looks thy brow, 
Does care thy spirit haunt ? 

Does human sorrow blight and woe 
Strive thy young soul to daunt ? 

Has fortune gone and round thee cast 
The murky fold of want ? 

If so, grieve not, let not vain care 
Youth's noble spirit tame, 

Mourn not thy fate, 'tis mortal's lot, 
And mine has been the same. 

My child did ever woman's charms 
Thy youthful soul beguile ? 

Say, did she ever conquer thee 
With all her sex's wile ? 

Didst thou e'er feel o'er come and lost 
Beneath her subtle smile ? 

And did she make thee think her heart 
Was wholely thine the while ? 

Didst love the very air she breathed 
And ground on which she trod ? 

Yea, didst thou love and worshin her 
As thou shouldst only God ? 

When she had won thy trusting heart 
Did she ungrateful prove ? 

And cast thee cruelly aside 
With blighted hope and love ? 

Ay, leave thee for another's love 
Not half so warm as thine ? 

After lifting all thy hopes so high — \ 
Leave thee alone to pine ? 

If that's been thy lot, grieve thou not, 
Thy fate resembles mine. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Cast her fojever from tliy thoughts, 
Why shouldst thou mourn for her '/ 

Turn to her, who will leave thee not, — 
Be thou Wisdom's worshipper. 

She, Goddess with the eye of light. 
More bright than sun or star, 

And brow serener than the moon 
Throned in heaven afar. 

And more grand and fair than summer 
With all its sweetest smiles. 

When with heavenly charms it bursts 
O'er Oriental isles. 

Fairer than richest summer morns 
Draped in all their light and bloom, 

Where shines that brow are light and bliss — 
Where it is not, all is gloom. 

Her face is fairer than Aurora 
Issuing from her caves, 

And her form is fairer than Venus 
Emerging from the waves j 

Fairer than the bow of heaven 
When storms are darkling round, 

Radiant as the priceless gem 
'Midst Ganges waters found. 

With halo of eternal flame — 
Fiird with light and purity — 

She shines upon her blazing throne 
With her sister Memory. i 

Her words are sweeter than the streams I 

That flow from heaven's springs. 

Purer than the golden drops of dew 
That fall from seraph's wings — 

When on radiant sabbath morns 
Around the throne on high— 



I 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 33 

Their plumage quivers with delight 
Before God's piercing eye. 

Her words are everlasting gems 
That glorify man's soul, 

They're as the diamond grains of sand 
That from God's chariot roll. 

They are a fount of excellence 
For ever flawing on, 

Crowning hoary heads with lustre, 
Making grand each one. 

They win the youth who seeks for them 
Bright glory and renown, 

And place upon his youthful brows 
Their everla-sting crown. 

They're afount of holy essence, 
True source of joy and health. 

The rampart of man's sturdy strength, 
His glory and his wealth. 

They're sparks of eternity, flashing 
From the windows of the skies, 

Full of sanctity as the fumes 
That from hallow'd incense rise. 

Yea, breaths of immortality 
Crownin^r, blessing man's lips. 

And giving them a majesty 
Death, woe, nor time eclipse. 

They're chains of living gems, which 
Truth and Memory hold. 

Bright as the rays 'neath seraph's wings 
'Midst heaven's suns unroll'd. 

More precious are her words than all 
The rubies of the world. 

Than all the sparkling gems that down 
By Goual's floods are hurl'd. 



THE PR^ SIDICIDE, 

More 'vrortli than all the opals that 
In Ophirs mountains glow, 

More worth than all the shining pearls 
That all the seas can show. 

Strive thou for her, both day and night, 
And do no other seek, 

She will give lustre to thine eye, 
And health unto thy cheek. 

Strength she will give unto thy form, 
And nerve and brace thine arm, 

When thou 'rt tossed 'midst passion's storm, 
She'll keep thee from all harm. 

XV. 

*'Go walk with god-like Plato through 

Fair Acedemus' grove ; 
"With Aristotle, with Xenophon, 

And with Seneca rove. 
Go thou and sit with Socrates 

Within his prison cell, 
And hear the wisest of mankind 

His truths eternal, tell. 
Ay, talk with Athens' noblest son, 

And tread the path he trod, 
Who lived in form and soul a man 

The image of his God. 
And on the page of Cicero 

Both truth and wisdom learn, 
And Homer read until thy soul 

With marshal deeds shall burn. 
Go, walk through every path of life 

The same as Shakespeare trod, 
And with eternal Milton soar 

Unto the throne of God. 



THE PR-^SIBICIDE. 35 

Study the lives of men like these ; 

The mighty works they wrought, 
Learn and study them day and night, 

Drink in each noble thought — 
Until thy very inmost soul 

With equal ones is fraught. 
For they have been, and still shall be 

The glory of all time, 
Be honor'd and revered for aye 

In every age and clime. 
Their frame shall blaze as noon-day suns 

In everlasting prime, 
Like hoary Alps they'll ever stand 

Firm, solemn and sublime. 
Around no bleeding captive slaves 

The clanking chains they bind, 
But everlasting links they tie 

Around the human mind. 
They raise the dark and grovelling soul 

To grand and noble things, 
Waft it to virtue's realm, refined 

As though on angel's wings. 
Learn, and be no whiten'd sepulchre 

All rottenness within. 
Lest God should cast thy soul away 

For infamy and sin. 
Shun Atheist, Idolater, 

And only worship God, 
Fear only Him, and humble bow 

Beneath His chastening rod. 
Know he who follows God's commands, 

To Him his spirit weds. 
Is loved and honor'd through all time, 

And wisdom's pathway treads. 



36 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And he who is a foe to God 

Is to the world a ban, 
He ne'er can act a manly part, 

Or be true friend to man. 

XVI. 

'Tis strange indeed such thoughts as these 

Should come to haunt me now. 
Should fill the mind of one who did 

The darkest deed I trow — 
That ever yet was plann'd or done 

Ey aoy mortal man, 
Since Sol his beams o'er darkness roll'd 

And earth and sea began. 
Yes, I who like a coward crept — 

A coward vile and mean — 
Behind an unarmed, fenceless man 

Unheard, unknown, unseen — 
And slew him there, oh murder foul ! 

The fellest, basest kind. 
Dark as if I'd slain a cripple 

Who was deaf, dumb, and blind. 
Oh cruel and hard hearted beast ! 

dark in mind and soul! 
There is no fiercer fiend than I 

Within all hell's control. 
O memory ! oh memory ! 

Why this dabbling with the past ? 
Oh God ! my brain goes spinning round 

As a windmill in the blast. 
Oh lost ! forever lost to all 

1 once held fond and dear. 
There's not a friend 'mongst all I had 

Now dares to venture near. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 37 

Friend did I say ? not one have I, 

Not e'en the vile and low — 
Who help'd me plan and scheme the way 

To deal the mortal blow — 
That slew the noblest in the land, 

And turn'd its joy to woe, 
Ay, they would fly and shun me — 

No matter where I go. 
For there's an instinct ielons have 

However steep'd in crime — 
Though they together murder plan 

And fix the awful time, 
Yet he whose heart is hard enough — 

And he whose nerve is strong — 
And takes on him the hellish task — 

The deed of blood and wronjj; — 
Though they applaud him long and loud— 

And hail him dauntless man — 
And swear a bt)lder never faced 

The horrid battle van, 
Yet when the helTsh deed is done, — 

When he has shed the gore — 
That instinct makes them fly from him^ 

And shun him ever more. 
With horror they recoil from him, 

And tremble at his name, 
As men start from the anaconda's 

Jaws of fiery flame. 
And none need e'er be fools so blind 

To trust the ftith of men — 
Who are so foul to murder plan, 

No matter where or when. 
No quaking moss is less secure, 

More treacherous, untrue, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

No huntsman more fell danger runs. 

Who treads the ice ^neath thawing suns, 
And unawares goes through. 

No matter what their rank or power — 
How high they stand at that dread hour — 

Or what their wealth or fame, 
When once the hellish deed is done 

Theyll take no share of blame. 
Like shadows will they glide away, 

Nor lend a helping hand 
To free him from the law, alone 

He must for all the crime atone, 
And all the charge must stand. 

And if by chance the law should find 
The others in the plot — 

They'll all combine and falsely swear, 
Seem to prove innocence so clear — 

They mostly suflFer not. 
On he who dared to strike the blow 

At their appointed time, 
They throw the blame and brand of all^ 

He bears the heinous crime. 

XYII. 

Fd sooner trust the leaky bark 

To bear me safe to land — 
At midnight on the ocean dark — 

When storms are blowing loud and stark^ 
Waves sweep towards rocky strand. 

Ay, sooner trust the tossing seas 
In a wreck 'midst the fellest breeze. 

That ever yet did pour, 
Than trust to any men like these, 

No matter how they swore 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 39 

To guard and shield me from all liarm — 

When perils round me rolFd ; 
Them my arm or ear I'd lend no more 

For all earth's shining gold. 
They leave their champion and tool 

To suffer mourn and rue, 
And keep, and reap all benefits — 

If any shall accrue. 

XVIII. 

I'ye heard strange tales in early years — 

But never held them true. 
Aye, thought them idle foolish talk 

Amongst some aged few, 
^Bout spirits — who in forms of men 

Wander through this earth — 
Who often come to visit men 

In times of joy and mirth; 
And talk with them as man with man 

And seem as man to them, 
Who strive to warn them 'gainst the paths 

The godly should contemn, 
Ay, warn them in a quiet way 

Against the paths of sin, 
And bid them strive above all things 

The love of God to win. 
And now methinks tl!at strange old man 

I met beneath the tree. 
Was of that mysterious kind 

So strange he looked on me. 
I thought not then, but have bo since 

He was no mortal man, 
For none but him I've ever seen 

Since first my life began — 



40 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Who looked so noble and so grand, 

So lofty aLd serene, 
So king-like above all other men 

In action and in mien. 
And all the while he spake his eyes 

Were resting full on me, 
Blue as the azure skies were they 

And full of brilliancy. 
Plainly as on that sunny morn 

Methinks I see him now. 
As thus he spake to me, his hand 

Upon the skull's smooth brow. 

XIX. 

"Thou heir of immortality, 

And to a home in heaven, 
Why wouldst tliou waste in sloth and case, 

Perchance in foul debaucheries — 
Powers thy God has given ! 

Or loan'd to thee His child on earth ! 
Wherefore waste thy precious time 

In folly's bower ! for folly 
Ever leadeth unto crime. 

Does thy spirit soar no higher 
Than grovelling joys of earth? 

Pleasures that wa^e and die away 
The moment of their birth ! 

And are not worth a thought from man — 
Weak, sinful though he be, 

Child, young and foolish as thou art — 
IVe better thoughts of thee. 

Be not like him of old who hid 
His talent in the earthy 

Improve those, God has given thee, 
And give to others birth. 



THE PRESIDIO IDE. 41 

XX. 

"Thou heir of immortality, 

And of a blissful world, 
From whence all death and woe are far 

Away forever hurl'd, 
Where saints and seraphs soar through light 

On dazzling wing unfurFd, 
Where ever round the throne of God 

In sunny glory rolls — 
A ceaseless, countless, sainted throng 

Of everlasting souls, 
Can man with all his boasted might 

One grain of matter make? 
Can he enlarge the earth one grain ? 

Or its foundations shake ? 
The leaf that trembles on the tree — j 

And laughs unto the storm — | 

Could all the energies of man , S 

A leaflet like it form ? '*-' 

These bones I hold that one were in 

A mighty human arm — 
That snapped the tyrant's chain as heroes 

Burst a wizard's charm, 
Are as far beyond the power 

Of man to make or form. 
As for him to lift the huge round world 

Or stop the roaring storm — 
The earth, the leaf, the bones^ the storm, 

The grass upon the sod, 
Are all the grand high handy work 

Of the eternal God 
Who time created, say can man 

Take from the rolling year — 
Or add to it a moments time ? 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Or stop its swift career ? 
And yet how many lives of men 

In idleness and sloth — 
Forever waste and glide away j 

I would indeed be loath 
To waste an hour here, I know 

It is an awful crime — 
That God will sorely punish those 

Who waste their earthly time. 
So be thou up and doing, thy brain 

As well as body feed, 
Earth is full of things for man to learn, 

And those who run may read. 
Yea, earth is full of marvels strange, 

Grrand study for all men, 
Those who strive to fathom them, God 

Will shape them to their ken. 
Lo ! shells are vast on ocean's coast ; 

And every shape and, hue, 
Some round, some long, some large, some small, 

Some purple, red and blue. 
Yet 'mongst them all but one was found, 

Yea,' only one possessed 
The pearl that swelled the merchant's store, 

And glows on beauty's breast. 
Treasures are many in the earth. 

But not in every soil. 
To seek for gold in every mould 

Would be a fruitless toil. 
Energy, courage, self-control. 

True godliness of mind and soul. 
Must be by him possessed — 

Who would from wisdom's mine bring forth 
One gem of such a priceless worth 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 43 

That it shall aye be blessed. % 

By trials and delays his soul I 

Must ne^er be downward borne, f 

The gourd that in a night appeared t 

Lay dead on earth at morn. | 

Yon mountain oak whose sturdy strength I 

A thousand tempests proved, | 

Nor yet the livid lightning's bolt | 

Nor avalanche hath moved, f 

That stands like some bold sentinel I 

To guard its native clime, | 

And heeds no change as years sweep down | 

The avenue oftime, * 

Around it on its parent soil I 

Ere it attained its prime i 

Ten thousand thousand poisons grew, | 

Crowned with blossoms of every hue. | 

And rotted down like crime. w I 

XXI. I 

^'I told thee that matter could not |. 

Be made by mortal man, | 

To make one grain of it was far if 

Beyond his wisdom's span. -^ 

And now I say, that man cannot 4 

Destroy one atom here, "| 

Let him pluck yon leaf from its stem. | 

And it to atoms tear. % 
Mash, pound it up, then pass it through 

The furnace and the blast, i 

Eoll, mash the cinders in a bowl, I 

And in the acids cast, | 

Let it pass through fiery blast % 

And mash it as he will, I 



44 THE PRJESIDICIDE. 

Though he may change it to the eye 

It is but matter still. 
And there's no atom on the world 

However frail and sear — 
That man can utterly destroy — 

The ruins still appear. 
Nor can he banish them from earth, 

As easy 'twere for him — 
To drag a comet from the sky, 

Or its pure brightness dim. 
Hark ! didst thou hear that cannon roar ? 

Its sound rung in my ear 
A moments space, and now 'tis gone, 

Though it I no more hear, 
The sound is not destroyed on earth, 

As soundfls onward hurl'd, 
And 'twill ring till the end of time, 

And vibrate o'er the world. 
The^iound of my voice, or the wave 

That bursts upon the shore — 
. ^^. May die to us, but dcKnrot die, 
\ * jt/^- -i%s=^sound forever more. 

The smallest thing that crawls on earth 

Displays the fearful skill — 
Of Him who made and fashion'd it 

To please His holy will, 
So how dare mortal man stand forth • 

In eye of earth and sky, 
And say there is no God, hark ! hark ! 

From mountains vast and high, 
From leaf, and tree and storm, and sea 

From sun, and starry skies, 
A strong all pervading voice is heard — 

Like burst of hoarded thunders is each word 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 45 

And tells him, that he lies. 

Through all creation's endless round 
The might of God is shown, ^^ 

He made, and nought can be destroy'd | 

But save by Ijim alone. | 

And e'en this world on which we move ? 

That looks so grand and vast, 

That is a rocky crust around 
Huge seas of fire cast. 

For men say, if forty miles we go — ^ 

Down through the crust we pass^ 

And there find all the world within 
A molten seething mass. ■ 

The volcanos that to heaven : 

Their flames and ashes throw, 

Are but the lofty chimneys of I 

Those burning wastes below. | 

Throuo^h them the roaring lava flies | 

In columns tall and fleet, I 

When the world within becomes surcharged 
With matter and with heat. 

And if God but f^^ji the atmosphere ' I 

That doth surround^s globe 

For five and forty miles in width, 
(A pure bright azure robe) 

Of all elements save oxygen, ; 

No nitrogen leave there — % 

Huge earth would flash to flame and in I 

A moment disappear. I 

Yea, blaze and unto nothing go, \ 

Be utterly destroy'd, 

With( ut one mere slight atom left 
Within the boundless void. 

Such is the might of Him to whom 



46 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 



Nature wafts a ceaseless hymn. 
He all created with a breath, 
And all nature bows to Him. 

xxir. 

''Inhabitant of earth, go learn 

Thy gracious maker's ways, 
Go, look upon His mighty works 

With wonder and with praise. 
Go at midnight's solemn hour, 

And gaze on heaven's face, 
And look upon the countless stars 

That glitter through all space 
Each a world larger far than this 

And fill'd with living souls, 
Ever teeming with light and life 

As on through space it rolls. 
Long through the flight of ages past 

Men deem'd those brilliant spht 
But torches lit along the sky, 

To cheer this world of theirs. 
Only little petty candles 

It pleased the gods to light, 
So fair this world might seem to man 

Through the hours of night. 
But science has reveard to him 

What Xenophanes taught — 
Was but man's pride and ignorance, 

Without one truthful thought. 
And now he knows each is a world 

Far larger than his own. 
And far more bright and glorious 

Than mortal yet hath known. 
And this low world on which he moves, 



THE PR^«IDICIDE. 47 

And loves with all his heart, 
Is a scarcely visible speck 

On creation's mighfy chart. %^ 

Science shall yet unfold to him % 

Truths mighty and sublime, ' 

Truths that shall never fade away 

From off the sands of time. 
All experience is an arch 

Through which gleams that untrod land, 
"Whose marge forever fades, and fades — 

Though we climb to knowledge grand. 
Man's mind to egotism tends 

All through dark ignorance, 
And the less and less he knows 

Greater is his arrogance. 
He thinks he has unravel'd all 

Mysteries of the world, 
Yet by science each day he sees 

New truths from darkness hurl'd. 
And all the truths he knows as yet 

However great they be. 
Are but small drops of water from 

A rich exhaustless sea. 
He knows not yet with all the light 

That science has reveal'd — 
Half the healing virtues that are in 

The grasses of the field, 
Nor half the glorious virtues 

The trees and flowers yield. 
Chemistry shall extract from them 

Balms for all earthly pain, 
VoT every fell disease that racks 

And goads the human frame. 
'Tis through long patience and through toil 



48 THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

Man will this knowledge gain, 
Who fathoms hidden truths must work 

With willing heart and brain. 
Yon field that waves with golden corn 

Was once a waste of oaks, 
And were a gloomy jungle still 

But for the axe-man's strokes. 
Those in this world's dark battle field, 

And bivouac of life, 
AVould not be like dumb beasts toled forth, 

But heroes in the strife — 
Must be ever up and doing — ■ 

With hearts for any fate, 
For ever moving on and on, 

Nor ever pause nor wait 
As slothful grovelling spirits do 

For hint, and sign, and nod, 
But aye hark unto the voice 

Of an onward, urging God. 
^- Those who start for human glory,. 

For honor and renown, 
Must aye make, not wait for chances^ 

Nor quake at fortune's frown 
And aye keep foremost in their soul 

This truth, no cross, no crown. 
They must snatch from Victory's hand 

The laurels when she's slow, 
Or hesitating where and when 

Those laurels to bestow. 
If a knot be tied so hard, they can't 

Unravel or undo — 
Like Alexander of old time 

They'll cut the knot in two. 
Like the mettled hounds of Acta&u 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 49 

They must pursue the game — \ 

Not only where are heaten paths — ^ 

But through thorns, and flood, and flame. / 
Some there are whose powers of mind 

And energies of soul — ^ 

Alone through vast difficulties 

Develop and unroll. 
The gold of their character is mixed 

^Midst quartz and granite vast, — 
Such an incorrigible growth — 

Which to release requires both 
The hammer and the blast. 

Like that small oceanic marvel 
Whose phosphorescent glow — 

Is only seen and cast at dark 
Upon the floods below — 

When they are lashed and driven by 
The fury of the storm ; 

Ay, when the blast and hurricane 
Their tranquil state deform. 

Oft men have after knowledge sought 
While paths of woe they trod, 

While penury and want hung o'er them 
Like Timour's scourging rod. 

But who forsook her wholesome laws 
When smiling Fortune came. 

Sunk on a level with the brutes 
'Midst mirth, and folly's train. 

Like ships that safely ride the waves 
Through all the tempests shock, 

That loose their helms when seas are calm 
And split upon a rock. 

Had Lais lured Xenocrates 
To her voluptuous bed — 



50 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

He'd been baser than Demostbenes 
When be Cboeroner fled. 

But Cbalcedon's old sage stood cbarms 
Of woman and of gold — 

As firmly as tbe rock tbe waves 
Tbat round it roar'd and roll'd. 
He stood sublime in retitude 
? What e'er bis trials were, 

J To guide mankind on virtue's patb 

I Was all his thought and care. 

S Be thou like him, where'er thou roamst, 

^ Where'er thy feeling flow — 

- Be man and brother to the end — 

Compassionate the low. 

What mercies God has shown to thee 
Do thou to others show, 

Hide follies of thy fellow men 
And pity all their woe. 

And envy no man's earthly weal, 
For it no bate bestow, 

But let thy heart with love and zeal 
For other's welfare glow. 

Be brave as was Bellerophon 
When ^midst fell dangers tried, 
Bravely perils meet like him 
Though they hem thee far and wide. 

But be not haughty, proud, like him. 
Lest God hurl down thy pride. 

XXIII, 

"Behold, the sun is sinking fast 
Behind yon mountain grand. 

But he is only leaving us 
To light some other land. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 51 

And I too now must leave thee here 

For weary thou must be, 
Since I have keep thee here so long 

To listen unto me. 
But where I go thou canst not know 

Perchance thou dost not care, 
Perchance thou thinks, thou ne'er hast spent 

A day like this so drear. 
Unless thy mind is dull and slow 

As Arar's sluggish stream, 
Thou yet may'st live to see the time 

Thou wouldst my voice esteem. 
Farewell, we two shall meet no more 

Beneath yon rolling sun, 
No more on this earth our paths 

Shall e'er together run. 
But when alone thou art, away 

From mirth and folly's smile — 
Then give a thought to this old man 

Who would thy soul beguile 
From sin to virtue's hallow'd bower, 

Think of me a little while ! 
Farewell, I will not keep thee more, — 

Though I could tell thee things — 
That would set all thy soul aglow 

With grand imaginings, 
But though we meet no more on earth. 

Perchance in some bright sphere — 
We journeying may meet again. 

Afar from earthly care. 
Then we'll look down on earth our 

Mortal burial ground, 
And smile at all the woes that did 

Once our life surround. 



62 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

For there's a cherished ancient creed 

That in some solemn clime — 
Ayray from sin, and death, and woe, 

And from the grasp of time, 
Soul and body shall unite again 

In everlasting prime, 
And we'll meet and know each other 

Within that realm sublime. 
And I trust when I'm call'd away 

Unto that hallow'd shore — 
Again to view those loved ones smiles 

I see on earth no more. 
And there forever withthojai dwell 

Free from all taint of woe, 
Fill'd with eternal spotless love 

Nigh ready to o'erflow, 
And hard methinks would be man's fate 

Unless he finds it so, 
And as the alchemists of yore 

Unto the flames consigned — 
The heterogeneous ore 

To make the gold refined, 
So with sorrow, toil and trials 

While in this world of sin, 
God purifies man's sou) of dross 

So it his smile may win. 
And what's a few short days of grief 

Here in this world below ? 
Compared to everlasting bliss J 

All mortals yet shall know. * 

They're not worth a thought and man's a fool 

To growl and grumble so, 
His heart to God so good and kind j 

Should ever thankful glow. J, 



THE PR.^SIDICTDE. 6^ 

High on some glowing sphere we'll sifc 

And hear the solemn shock, 
Loud as the hoarded thunder peals 

That burst o'er Sinai's rock — 
When God in awful greatness came — 

And with such glory shone — 
That not a mortal eye could look 

That blazing mount upon ;. 
And see this world to atoms torn — 

And roll'd in floods of fire. 
And 'midst the crashing elements 

Here the Almighty's ire. 
See it in His eternal hand 

While fire roars and glows — 
Crush'd as a little grain of sand, 

And hear its dying throes. 
While all the startled worlds on high 

Shall trembling look below, 
Shouting hosannas unto God — 

To whom all praise mast flow. 
Oh ! what a storm of prayer and praise 

Shall be that day begun, - 
And never cease, but ever flow 

To the Eternal One'. 
From all the myriad, my rind worlds 

That live in boundless space, 
And all the white wing'd sainted souls 

Of every clime and race. 
Keep thine eye on yon setting sun, 

Move not thy gaze from him, 
Until he sinks behind the hills, 

Though ho make thy vision dim — 
His rays are nothing to the blaze 

Thine eye shall yet behold — 



54 THE PR.ESIDICIDE. 

When heaven's eternal splendors 
Shall be afore thee roU'd" 

XXIV. 

I look'd 'till 'neath the hills the sun 

In all his glory went, 
And far along the startled sky 

His glowing lustres sent. 
Seldom I've seen so sweet an eve, 

Balmy winds were piping shrill, 
And rapidly the waters ran 

Down the gorges of the hill. 
Everything was bright and fair 

And glowing to the eye, 
All nature was basking there 

Beneath the sunset dye. 
But little time had I to gaze 

Upon the scene around, 
Or mark the bright effulgent blaze 

With which the sky was crown'd. 
For suddenly a flood of song 

Came bursting on mine ears. 
Sweet, and soft, and grand as music 

From the eternal spheres. 
Far away in a vale below 

The music seem'd to be, 
''Let's go, let's go,'' I said "and that 

Enchanting singer Bee." 
But no word in answer came, 

Nor word, nor sound, nor tone,. 
Around in haste I turn''d and look'd 

And found I was alone. 
That mysterious man had gone 

Whither, and when, I knew not^ 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 5& 

Unheard, unseen he'd moved away 

As a phantom from the spot. 
Well I rememher how my brain reel'd 

When I found it so, 
It seem'd the blood within my veins 

That moment ceased to flow. 
Up and down every winding gorge 

My eager eyes I bent, 
Viewed all the landscape o'er and o'er 

In fear and wonderment. 
Not one trace of him I saw, 

Then did fear my soul appall, 
For evenings mirky mantle 

O'er the hills began to fall. 
Down, down the craggy fells I rush'd, 

Paused not for flood or linn, 
Panting, throbbing with mortal fear 

I strove the vale to win — 
Whence came those melting tones of song, 

The sweetest ever yet 
Where heard since earth and sea began, 

Or Light and Darkness met. 

XXY. 

I reach'd the vale and then I saw 

A maiden heavenly fair, 
Dark were her eyes and sheen as stars, 

And dark her flowing hair. 
Ne'er before so grand a being 

Upon this world has trod, 
Oh ! glorious and bright was she 

As spirit fresh from God. 
Her brow was fair as ocean's foam 

Whan heaving in its pride, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Her cheeks were as the northern snows 

When with a sunset dyed. 
Adown her heaving breast of snow 

Her raven tresses streamed, 
And ^tween her rosy lips her teeth 

As purest ivory gleam'd. 
Her step was soft and easy 

As the murmur of a song, 
Light as Flora's when she moves 

Her choicest flowers among. 
But how could mortal words essay 

One half her charms to paint, 
She queen o'er all in loveliness, 

In purity a saint. 
She pure and bright as any yet 

Who breathed a prayer to God, 
Sweet, kind and generous as e'er 

This world of woe Lave trod. 
Gentle, candid and serene was she — 

And knew no craft nor guile, 
A maiden with a seraph's heart, 

And with an angel's smile. 
Oh ! years had flown on lightning wings 

Since last I dared to speak — 
Or breathe one word to her, although 

She was as angel meek. 
For I thought of her as of a star — 

(So glowing bright she shone) 
That mortal kind might ne'er approach. 

But sometimes gaze upon. 
I never dream'd that I might dare 

To worship at her shrine. 
So years hadroll'd away since last 

Her hand was clasped in mine. 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 67 

I thought to let oblivion roll 

Its shades eternal o'er my soul, 
Not with her image shine. 

But Against her image fair my mind 
Its doors would never close, 

And love the while lay sleeping there 
Like lightning in repose 

XXVI. 

She sang in sweet though mournful rhymes, 

Many sad tales of ancient times, 
Of love, and war, and woe, 

She sang of Agandecca's fall — 
That sunbeam of fierce Starno's hall 

Whom Fingal worship'd so ; 
That for her bright transcendent charms — 

He'd singly braved the world in arms, 
And died or won her smile; 

Ay, braved for her the battle front, 
And like a rock had stood its brunt 

On stormy flood or isle. 
Sang how Leander perils braved 

^Midbt waters wild and grim, 
And how the lovely Hero mourn'd, 

And wept and died for him. 
This is the love for me she cried £^'^ 

Pure and for aye sincere, 
That knows no change what'er betide, 

All free from^guile and fear. 
That death na>any "mortal foe * 

Can sully or divide ; 
That flows as doth the torrent flow 

Adown the mountain's side — 
Defying hottest suns that glow, 



THE PR^SID I CIDE. 

And scorching, sultry winds that blow, 
By them unchanged undried ; 

And when closed o'er with ice and snow 
It rushes onward deep below — 

And cuts its channel wide. 
Love, constant as the polar beam 

Ever shining on serene — 
"With one undying fadeless gleam, 

And like the glory rays that stream 
From Sol, aye warm and sheen, 

Though clouds awhile obscure their light- 
From our dim, weak mortal sight — 

Behind the mirky screen 
They glow with everlasting glare, 

Pure, endless and sublime, 
And feel no death or change whaler 

Through all the lapse of time. 

XXVII. 

So o'er her harp that maiden sang 

Until the moon's broad beam 
Arose, and all effulgent shone 

On hill, and marsh, and stream ; 
Oh ! beneath that calm silver light 

Thrice lovely did she seem, 
And brighter than the brightest star 

Her large dark eyes did gleam — 
Full of heavenly light and love, 

And o'er her snow white brow 
There pass'd a smile so sweet and calm 

Methinks I see it now — 
All holy light and purity — 

Emblem of the soul within, 
Free as the purest saint on high 



THE PB^SIDICIDE. 69 

From taint of woe and sin. 
She seem'd like one of those bright Nymphs 

That in the days of old 
Were seen by holt and fairy spring, 

Or on the moonlight wold ; 
Though ne'er was Nymph or Naiad one half 

So lovely to behold. 

XXVIII. 

Thou fairest maid I thus begun — 

That yet mine eye hath seen, 
Of all thou art the brightest one 

That e'er across my path hath run, 
Thou glowest like the noonday sun 

All peerless and serene. . 
There's more of beauty and of grace 

About thy lovely form and face, 
Than crown'd the first of woman's race, 

She, who in Eden fell. 
If the^reat Alia once could place 

Amongst his dark eyed Houri race 
Thou wouldst their charms excel ! 

Art thou indeed a mortal maid y 
Or some bright spirit sent 

From heaven, to this world below ? 
For one short season lent 

To us poor weary mortals here, — 
To show what charms are blent 

Within that glowing world on high 
Where dwells no discontent ? 

Thus I, she started up and turnM, 
Surprised to find me there, 

Her eyes with anger flash'd and burn'd 
Without one sign of fear. 



60 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

With burning eye and panting heart 
I grasped her snowy hand, 

And leaning o'er her lovely head 
I said in accents bland. 

XXIX. 

''Glorious being turn awhile, 

Let me behold again that smile, 
I greet it as some heavenly show 

Sent to poor mortal man below, 
A type of those we yet shall see 

Beyond this world of misery 
Enthroned on seraph's brows, who be 

To Grod and all the saints above 
Hereditary heirs oOove. 

XXX. 

' ''Thou fairest being of the world, 
j That man hath seen or yet shall view, 

i With lips like morning rose leaves curl'd 
When sparkling with heavenly dew 
Beneath the rising sun's bright beam ; 

And eyes more dazzling bright and fair 
Than those that around Alia gleam 
When all the Houris kneel in prayer. 
I And with a face more beautiful 
I Than all the rainbow's glowing hues, 

Compared to thee how dim and dull 

Are those grand sprites the poet views, 
When fill'd with bright imaginings 

He lies him down to starry dreams, 
And sees them come on dazzling winga 

With every ray of beauty's beams. 
Thy delicious, dream-like harmonies, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 61 

Thy voice the very soul of song, 
Have wrapt my heart in extacies, 

And in it made sweet fancies throng. 
Oh could I ever gaze on thee ! 

And ever bask beneath thy smile ! 
And listen to such harmony, 

'Twould every earthly woe beguile. 
Oh thou gentlest, loveliest one 

That ever human eye did greet ! 
The frail flowers thou treadst upon 

Kise up unharm'd from ^neath thy feet, 
Each seems to smiling rear its head — 

Kejoicing at thy presence sweet, 
Courting again thy airy tread 

They seem to bow thy foot to meet, 
They know thou art all light and love 

Fairer than the queen of flowers, 
And harmless as the gentlest dove 

That erst dwelt in Eden's bowers. 
And I bengHhe knee before tbee 

With heart as faithful true and fond, 
As ever roam'd o'er land or sea, 

Or bound in Hymen's holy bond. 
Oh ! my dear and gentle maiden 

Could I find words so thou might see — 
How my heart and soul are laden 

With pure undying love for thee — 
Thy smile would ever glow for him. 

Who humbly bows before thee here, 
Thou wouldst face perils dark and grim 

To share his earthly bliss or care. 
And in my soul that love I'll keep, 

And though I die 'twill burn on still, 
Strong as the winds of heaven sweep 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

O'er ocean, forest, moor, and hill. 
And each glowing smile thou hast shed 

My memory shall ne'er forget, 
But dwell in it when ocean's bed 

No longer with its floods is wet. 
Start not — I'd harm no hair of thy head, 

Nor do a thing to make thee fret. 
We've met before, but years have sped 

On lightning wings since last we met, 
If thou'lt recall a time, long since fled. 

Me perchance, thou mayst remember yet. 
But oh dear maid ! one thing I seek, 

'Twill bind and soothe life's shatter'd cords, 
Pardon me, if too plain I speak 

Nor be thou angry with my words. 
Thou look'st so gentle good and kind 

I'll breathe out all my soul to thee, 
And what I seek, here let me find 

In her, to whom I bend the knee. 

XXXI. 

•'I seek a fair and gentle form, 

A heart from strife and discord free, 
A spirit loving true and warm. 

To journey on through life with me, 
I seek a kind and constant friend 

Who Death alone from me can tear, 
Who in afiliction's hour will lend 

A helping hand to soothe my care. 
I seek a friend whose gentle voice 

Can cheer me through life's vale of tears, 
By whose side I ever can rejoice 

Through youth and through all luy old j'curs 
I seek a friend within whose eye 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 63 

An ever equal love I'll sipe, 
"Who can all earthly care defy 

And ever joyous lean on me. 
I seek a pure and saintly guide 

To lead me to that bless'd shore — 
"Where doubt nor death, nor woes abide, 

And spirits meet to part no more. 
And thou sweetest, loveliest soul 

That ever look'd through human eyes, 
Assume o'er me thy mild control, 

For thee my inmost being sighs, 
Ah, be thou my soothing angel ! 

Forever by my side through life, 
111 shield thee from all sorrows fell 

As we journey through this world of strife. 
Let's hand in hand together go, 

And be each other's comforter — 
Down life's dark vale of care and woe, 

Yea, be each others worshipper." 

XXXII. 

Silent and still was she I trow, 

And gazed on earth the while, 
But oft upon her snowy brow 

I mark'd a passing smile. 
Then rising upward like a queen 

From off a stately throne. 
Glowing with majesty serene 

As earth before had never seen 
And never but that time hath been 

Save in heaven alone -, 
All like an angel in her mein 

(The grandest ever known) 
Towards ^ifte awhile she dcign'd to lean, 



64 THE PR^SIDICIBE. 

RaisiLg her hand as though to screen 
Those eyes so wondrous dark and sheen, — 

And with unfaltering tone — 
Stepping backward on the green, 

She said "Thou man begone. 
Begone, haste fly thee hence from me, 

No more thy nonsense tell^ 
Thou art some madman just set free — 

Or broke from prison cell." 
Then swift and graceful as a fawn — 

Scared by the shadows of the dawn^ 
Or of the close of day — 

That suddenly 'lojg its path are drawn^ 
So down the sweet flowery lawn 

She 'gan to wend her way. 

XXXIII. 

Had some angelic spirit come 

To this vain world below. 
And borne me up on wings of light 

From all my care and woe ; 
And placed me on some gaudy throne 

Where I could look around — 
As king of ocean, earth and man, 

Where I could hear the sound — 
Ey night and day of ceaseless song — 

Pour'd forth from many a voice. 
And told me that they sang my praise,. 

And bade me long rejoice. 
Told me that I was high above 

All death and woe and sin, 
That I had won each peerless wish 

The soul e'er sought to win ; 
That mine was tho priceless dower 



THE PR^SIDICIDB. 65 

Of rest and hope within, 
And when my soul was wrapped in bliss, 

And extacy divine, 
While joy tingling ran through every 

Nerve, pulse, and vein of mine, 
He had said thou fool, and hurl'd me 

To the abyss below, 
And left me with a smile of scorn 

In asjony and woe, 
I had not felt more deeply grieved 

Than when I saw her go ! 

XXXIY. 

"Stay, stay, all hastily I cried — 

Alone thou shalt not go, 
"With thee sweet maid I'll wend, let 

Cause me weal or fellest woe. 
Grasping her sno\jry hand in mine 

I gazed into her eyes, 
That glow'd with grand astonishment, 

With terror and surprise. 
Away with all this fear I said. 

No harm can thee befall, 
As safely here thou 'bidest with me 

As in some guarded hall. 
Maiden hast thou forgotten him, 

Who on one stormy day 
Drag'd thee from yon ronring stream, when 

Thou in it helpless lay ? 
Say reniemberest thou not him 

Who rescued thee from death? 
Who saved thee from yon flood when thou 

AVcrt almost void of breath ? 
And bore thee in his trembling arms 



QQ THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Unto thy hoary sire ? 
And watch'd o'er thee until he saw 

All signs of death retire. 
And he who rushed to save thee then 

From yonder roaring linn, 
Would any danger brave with joy 

So he thy smile might win. 
'Not think thee, he who saved thee once 

Would dream to harm thee now, 
So let all fear be gone, let joy 

Again light up thy brow. 
And pause one moment more sweet maid, 

But do not tremble so, 
I wish to prove that I am he 

Then thou art free to go. 

xxxy. 

•••It wns beneath yon stately oak 
' That waves its branches there. 
That overlooks yon torrent strong, 

Yon waters deep and clear, 
I sat that day, waiting my hounds 

To start some fawn or deer ; 
I heard a splashing in the stream. 

And shriek of wild despair ; 
And turning round my gaze, I saw 

Upon that torrent strong — 
A frail slender bark by the tide 

Borne rapidly along. 
And in it sat a female child 

Divinely bright aiid fair. 
Who strove against that torrent fierce 

Her little bark to steer. 
T watch'd her till the torrent bore 



THE PR^SI D ICID E. 

Her towards yon waterfall, 
I saw her bark then driven o'er, 

That bark so frail and small ; 
And saw the waters round it roar 

In surges white and tall, 
Made fierce with rains that then did pour, 

And by the autumn squall. 
And, struggling through the froth and feam 

I saw the maid again, 
I heard one wild piteous scream 

That thrill'd my soul with pain. 
All pass'd before me like a dream 

That flashes through the brain ; 
I plung'd me in the roaring stream 

And swam to her amain. 
One arm around her form I cast, 

And with the other strove 
To bear her from those surges vast, — 

That down like demons drove, 
Foaming beneath the furious blast 

D.rowning swift that little dove. 
Oh God ! it seem'd all hope was past 

Methought I saw her breathe her last, 
When towards yon shallow cove — 

One long desperate stroke I made 
With all that energy — 

Fell, Terror brings the wretch to aid — 
And some how sets him free- 
Though dangers ke'afound him laid 
In maddening agony. 

Then grasp'd the branches of a tree 
That did o'er the flood incline, 

Soon hope revived and bounded free, 
Through all this frame of mine, 



THB PR^SIDICIDE. 

For soon upon the solid ground 
I laid her helpless form, 

Shield'd her from that blast profound, 
From all that rain and storm, 

Until I felt her pulse rebound, 
And felt her heart grow "warm. 

No more dear maid I need to tell, 
The rest thou may'st^ remember well; 

From death I saved those charms, 
And then bore thee adown yon dell 

Unto thy sire's arms. 

XXXYI. 

'^But since that half forgotten time, 

That day of joy and tears, 
And this eve so lovely and sublime 

There's a broad span of years. 
And many changes too have flown 

O'er earth's diurnal span, 
Thou hast a lovely maiden grown, 

And la bearded man. 
Never from that hour till this 

Has thou e'er gazed on me. 
But it has been my secret bliss 

To sometimes gaze on thee. 
And all unseen, unknown by thee 

I've watch'd thee blooming here, 
Watch'd thee fond and tenderly, 

But never ventured near. 
Watch'd thee as some fair stately tree 

Within some glowing scene, 
Aye crown'd with fountains fresh and free, 

And with eternal green. 
And like that tree I've seen thee grow 



THE P R ^ S I D I € I 1) E, 69 

To loveliness sublime, 
And long I've watch'd thee bloom and glow 

In fair and glorious prime. 
But still I've kept aloof from tliee. 

And view'd thee from aftr, 
With all that homage pure and true 

The Indian pays the star, 
Watoli'd thee fondly as Elisha view'd 

Elijah's burning car. 
I deeio'd thee best of human kind, 

And such I know thou art, 
Yea, thou art far above them all 

As sun and earth apart. 
As the flower that blooms beside 

The crater's burning lips, 
And beautifies the gloomy waste 

That down in darkness dips, 
•So on this world thou seemst to mc.^ 

Nor shall time one charm eclipse. 
■So be not angry with me love 

When unto thee I say, 
I loved thee so I could no more 

From thy sweet presence stay. 
Thy delicious, dream-like harmonies 

Enticed me here this eve. 
And ere we part one pitying smile 

Let me from thee receive." 

XXXVII, 

'The while I spake her lovely eyes 

Were beaming full on me, 
Oft they flash'd with queenly prido, 

Then shone mild and tenderly. 
And when I ceased, with low sweet voice 



70 THE PR^SIDIC ID E.. 

She said — "Art thou indeed 
That little boy who rescued mo, 

When like a helpless reed — 
I was dash'd along in yonder stream 

With all its fearful speed ? 
Who dangers braved for me and saved 

Me in that time of need ? 
I've wonder'd what became of him, 

And where on earth he trod, 
Oft for his welfare have T pray'd 

When prayers I breathed to God- 
But I have always pictured him 

As at that time he seem'd, 
A beardless, heroic, stalwart boy, 

Whose eye with courage beam'd. 
Scarce can I recognize in thee 

That boy of by gone days, 
Save in the easy dauntless air 

Thou seemst to have always. 
Since thou art he, who rescued me 

From drowning when a child, 
Who peril'd thy own life for me 

'iMidst waters dark and wild, 
To thee my heart shall always glow 

With thanks and gratitude. 
And do whatever time may show 

For all thy weal and good. 
And when thou roamest near this spot 

I will of thee request — ^ 

That thou wilt eall at yonder cot, P 

Thou'lt be a welcomed guest. 
But time speed on, the night grows late,. 

And I must move from here, 
At morn come- thou to j^onder cot 

Thou'll find my sire there." 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 71 

xxxviir. 

She said and towards her vine-clad cot 

With stately step she trod, 
I mark'd her as she moved along 

O'er the flower and clod, 
No step so light and true as hers 

Has press'd earth's glowing sod, 
Since all the races of mankind 

Sprung from the hand of God. 
I mark'd her in her doorway stand 

All like a vision bright, 
But ere she closed the door she smiled, 

And waved her hand good night. 
Good night, sweet angel of my heart, 

I answer'd with a sigh, 
May God to watch and guard o'er thee 

Be ever hovering nigh. 

XXXIX. 

Ah ! why docs that sweet gentle maid 

Whose bright transcendent smile — 
Glow'd pure and holy as a saint's 

All free from every wile — 
Haunt me in this hour of woe ? 

Of torture and of pain ? 
Ah ! why conies she to this sad mind 

With all her smiles again ? 
Ah ! why does one so pure and grand 

Haunt my memory still ? 
VVhy do her gentle words and looks 

Now this vile bosom fill ? 
She comes because while gazing down 

The corridor of time. 
From boyhood's wild and tender years 



72 THE PRiESIDI CIDE. 

To manhood's sterner prime, 
She's the sole one I've met that seemed 

A being all sublime. 
She's the loveliest Oasis 

That memory can find — 
"While travelling o'er that arid waste 

Of years I've left behind. 
She's ever shrined amongst my thoughts 

Like some bright star of ev(fn, 
Which sheds its hallowing light across 

The azure vault of heaven. 
And aye before my spirit's gaze — 

Amidst the realm of dreams — 
Like moonlight glittering on the sea, 

Her 'witching beauty gleams. 
Methinks I can recall her now 

As in those days gone by, 
Recall each word she spake to me, 

Yea, every sweet reply. 
Methinks I hear her speaking now 

With voice so sweet and low, 
As erst she spake, and thrills of joy 

Would through my being go. 
I see her at her cottage door, 

Or roaming o'er her lawn, 
Graceful, queenly in all her ways, 

And timid as the fawn. 
But she is dead, not only her — 

But every one who e'er — 
Has seemed to love and cherish me, 

What e'er my follies were. 
Yea, all those who e'er deigned to look 

With kindness and with love — 
On all those vast defects and faults 

That through my nature rove. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 7S 

XL. 

Ah, my God I I remember well 

That dark and stormy night, 
When from this world of grief and woe 

Her spirit took its flight. 
'Twas at midnight's solemn hour 

A stormy night like this — 
Her spirit soar'd on wings of light 

And reach'd the realm of bliss. 
And left me here on earth alone 

To ever mourn her loss : — 
Left me a shatter'd helmless wreck 

"With waves and winds to toss. 
Had God but left her here with me 

For one short span of years, 
She would have made mc such a man 

As seldom here appears, 
For none have ever lived on earth 

Who o'er my mind and soul, 
Could like her such influence gain, 

Such thorou2;h, vast control. 
Her gentle voice had guided me 

Upon the road to heaven. 
And for all woe, her sunny smile 

A healing balm had given. 
She might have led me if she chose 

In bonds that would appall — 
And gall all other men, and I 

Would ne'er have felt her thrall,— 
I worshipp'd and I loved her so ; 

But 'twas not thus to be, 
Away God took her ere the time, 

Yea, call'd her far from me. 



74 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

XLI. 

Away, away ye gloomy thoughts, 
• Bring back that happy day, 
When her and I stood gazin*:; on 
The mountain torrent's spray. 
Her hand all snowy white and small 

Was gently clasped in mine, 
And oft I saw her starry eyes 

Stol'n-wise upon me shine. 
I never thought that mortal maid 

Could thrill my being so — 
With worship, love, and awe, as thea 

I felt within me glow. 
Before her on the grassy sod 

I a pleading captive kneel'd. 
And pour'd out all my soul to her, 

Yea, all my love reveal'd. 
Come, be my soul's far dearest part, 

The angel of my life. 
And soothe one weary aching heart 

Amidst this world of strife. 
Oh, come, and journey by my side 

As down life's vale I go j 
Oh, be my partner, friend and guide, 

And charmer of all woe ! 
For as the loving mother yearns 

Towards her only child, 
So aye, to thee my spirit turns 

With passion almost wild. 
I'll shield thee from all storm and care 

And gladden all thy days. 
And thou shalt be my guiding star 

Through all life's che<*l;er'd ways, 
Ah, maiden, say ! oh, let me know ! 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 75 

Nor keep me here so long 
In doubt and ap;ony, thou knowest 

My love is deep and strong. 
I know, nought but love and pity 

Can touch a soul like thine, 
More than the lightning's fearful flame 

Could strike the stars divine. 
I know thou art all good and kind 

As angels o'er distress. 
And thou wilt say one little word 

That all my life will bless ; 
I ask thee if thou wilt be mine. 

And, ah ! now answer Yes ! 

XLII. 

Glorious day, 0, happy day ! 

All grand and bright in every way ; 
The sweetest ever known 

Through all the mortal span cf ye:irs 
That o'er my head have flown. 

Sorrow and grim Despair were gone, 
All but bliss and joy were fled ; 

Hope warm'd and filFd my heart, Gladness 
Flapped its wings above my head. 

She turn'd her eyes on me, beaming 
With love, that knows no shame, 

Through all my inmost being shot 
Their pure and holy flame. 

But all the while my heart hung poised 
'Twixt joy and agony, 

Till with a voice all low and sweet 
She smiling spake to me. 

XLIII. 
"Had I e'er sought a friend to love, 



76 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

To honor and esteem, 
Above the rest of human kind, 

Aye, love with all my soul and mind, 
And second but to Him alone 

Who sits on heaven's topmost throne, 
Do not a moment dream — 

But I had chosen that bold youth 
Who on that stormy day — 

Freely peril'd his own life for me 
Amidst the torrent's ppray. 

Nor could I e'er do aught to thee 
To cause thy soul distress, 

And I will share thy earthly lot 
If 'twill crown thy happiness. 

Aye hand in hand whate'er betide 
Through life with thee 111 go. 

To bless and comfort thee and share 
Thy peril, pain or woe." 

XLIV. 

There's a time of such joy and bliss 

Unto all mortals given — 
They feel as they were lifted up 

Unto the light of heaven. 
A time of joy and extacy, 

Of light and bliss divine. 
That thrills all the inmost being 

With rapture pure and fine. 
As floods of holy light it comes 

And passes o'er the soul, 
While it lives and glows years on years 

Away as moments roll; 
And all have felt that thrill of bliss 

That ever lived on earth, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 7T 

Though as lightning in a dark abyss 

It perished at its birth, 
And left that heart in gloom profound, 

Scarr'd with many a bleeding wound, 
And drearer than before, 

Yea, left it so that gladness ne'er 
Within that blighted heart, and sear, 

Should bloom or blossom more. 
Here left it all Tithonus-like 

To ever mourn and pine, 
And live on in remembrance of 

That flash of bliss divine. 
And none e'er felt that thrill of joy 

'Neath yon o'er-arching sky, 
None ever trod this world of woe — 

Nor yet were born to die — 
Felt it their inmost being thrill 

More keen and strong than I. 
Had all the diamonds of the world, 

And all its mines of gold- 
And all the pearls on ocean's bed, 

And wealth of worlds untold, 
Been sought and gather'd in a pile — 

And laid before my feet, 
Not a moment I'd exchanored them for 

Those feelinojs bright and sweet — 
I inward felt while there I knelt 

Upon the grassy sod — 
Before that bright heavenly maid, 

That lovely work of God. 
And heard her with voice so soft and mild 

Smiling answer yes, — 
Say she would aye be mine through life 

To comfort and to bless. 



78 THE PRiESIDIClDE. 

Then all seem'ci bright and heavenly 
Away all but gladness pass'd, 

I was whelm'd with floods of extacy — 
As the waters cover o'er the sea, 

But ah, doom'd short to last ! 

XLV. 

Oh, God I must I again recall 

That mournful scene to view ? 
Must that last dark trying hour 

Now visit me anew ? 
Must I again feel all that woe 

That then I felt and knew ? 
Such grief as yet by mortal kind 

Was only known to few. 
Or if felt by many, few survived 

To tell what woe and pain — 
7 he human heart can bear and feel 

Ere it rent in twain. 
Yet all such grief was felt by me 

The night her spirit flew — 
To everlasting joy and bliss, 

And far from me withdrew. 

XLVI. 

'Twas night, dark night like this, 

The rain as now did pour, 
And from their mountain heights I heard 

The swoll'^n torrents roar. 
And through the window panes I saw 

Terrific lightnings glow. 
And booming over head I heard 

The thunders come and go. 
I stood that night beside her bed — 



THE PRJESIDICIDE. 

With anguish riycn soul, 
Oh, all her friends were weeping round 

In utter pain and dole. 
Death's ghastly hue was on her brow, 

I felt her pulse, God, I feel it now! 
It all too plainly show'd. 

That she was sinking, dying fast, 
That every hope was gone and past 

Of her recovery, so vast. 
So keen her fever glow'd. 

As o'er that much loved dying one 
My eager eyes I kept — 

Dark sorrow gather'd round my soul 
And as a child I wept. 

I wept, I wept, I who can boast 
A heart to terror steel'd, 

A heart as stern as ever went 
To any battle field. 

Ah, yes ! above that much loved one 
My bitter tears did flow, 

I felt that sorrow dark and wild — 
That unutterable woe, 

That always leaves the spirit cast 
In agony and gloom, 

And though it lives for ages here 
It ne'er again can bloom. 

Ah, my God ! ghastly grew her face, 
Her eyes around did swim, 

Delirious with the fever's pain 
She writhed in every limb. 

But soon her agony was o'er, 
No more we felt her breath, 

And with a sweet and placid smile 
She lay in silent death. 



80 THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

XL VII. 

Had an earthquake shook the ground, 

And stirr'd it to its depths profound, 
And bade its awful death knell sound ; 

Had all the world in one dread blast 
Before me to destruction past, 

And all the fires of hell and woe 
Burst forth and round me 'gan to flow 

With all their scorching maddening glow, 
I had not felt more deeply riven 

With anguish fell and keen — 
Than when the shades of deaths were driven 

Around, and closed the scene. 
All griefs and sorrows of the soul 

Swell'd up in me beyond control, 
I strove but could not speak. 

In silent consternation drown'd, 
And lethargy of woe profound, 

All mournfully we gazed around, 
While tears ran down each cheek. 

XLVIII. 

There lay in ghastly silent death 

The fairest maid that time 
Through all his flight has seen, cut down 

In grand and glowing prime, 
Like some fair flower that has grown 

To loveliness sublime — 
That falls beneath the reaper's scythe, 

Or winter's blast and rime. 
Yea, she who was my promised bride, 

And would have been mine soon. 
Who would have cheer'd me as the sun 

Llumes the world at noon ; 



THE PR jE SID ICIDE . 81 

Who would have ever been to me 

God noblest, kindest boon. 
As the Pharos on the mountain's side 

That lends its kindly ray — 
The storm beat mariner to guide 

At night upon his way, 
So he may safely steer his craft 

By whirlpools fierce and dark, 
And awful rocks that round him frown, 

Though storms are howling stark, 
So she adown the stream of time 

Had safely guided me, 
Kept me from all those treacherous rocks 

That lie amidst life's sea. 

XLIX. 

Blow on ye tempests ever blow, 

Ay, howl on fierce as now — 
O'er all the startled sea and land 

And cool my burning brow. 
For my blood like liquid fire 

Is sweeping through my form, 
Grief and remorse tear through my soul 

Like a relentless storm. 
Each pain of body and of mind, 

All woe and agony — 
E'er felt or known by human kind 

Now racks and tortures me. 
For dark sin and crilie, here on earth 

My God has cast me low, 
Oppressed with grief, opprcRs'd with all 

Unutterable woe ; 
I'm as some goaded beast of old 

Kept in a cage for show. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 






So that the gaping crowds may see 

How fierce his rage would glow. 
Oh, my God ! I cannot bear this pain 

That darts through form and limb and brain, 
Have mercy, mercy now. 

Oh, take away yon spectre grim 1 
And ease, oh ease my broken limb ! 

And cool my burning brow ! 
And oh ! have mercy on my soul 

When summon'd to Thy throne 
Xet this unutterable woe 

For all my guilt atone. 
If I'm to find no mercy there 

For deeds done in this world, 
Then may my spirit ever be 

To dark oblivion hurl'd. 
But not cast 'midst fiery flames, 

And everlasting pain, 
But aye in some lone quiet spot 

,From Thy dread sight remain. 
And when that awful day arrives 

That all the seas and earth — 
Shall render up their dead, and man 

Receive another birth. 
When that last trumpet blast shall sound 

Through every sea and clime — 
In notes far louder than the hoard'd 

Thunders of all time^ 
When all the floods and lands shall quail 

Beneath those peals sublime, 
And render up their dead to life 

And everlasting prime, 
Ay, when all the countless millions 

That on this earth have trod, 



THE I'RyESIDiCIDE. 




'Till we reached the burial ground. 
Where mortals all must go. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 83 

Shall burst from death and move before 

Thy judgement throne, Oh, God ! 
To render up account to Thee 

For all their deeds on earth, 
Who knows each secret, hidden crime, 

And thought, that gave it birth, 
Ah, may this cruel guilty wretch 

Remain unsummon'd there! 
Be hid forever from Thy sight, 

Nor meet Thy angry stare ! 
Or if I must be summoned there ^ 

Amongst that countless train — 
And see the one I loved on earth — 

With all my soul again. 
Let her not know I'm dyed so dark 

With foul dishonor's stain. 

L. 

Methinks I can recall the scene 

That melancholy day, 
When from her cot the funeral train 

Amidst the mist and autumn rain, 
Stretch'd out in long array 

Far down the narrow vale we wound 
With solemn step and slow, 

^Till we reached the burial ground, v^ 
Where mortals all must go. 

But oh ! no words can e'er portray 
The horror and the gloom — 

I felt while she was lower'd down 
Into her narrow room. 

For I had ne'er one moment's thought 
As by her side I trod — 

That God had destined her to lie 



84 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Beneath the silent sod. 

Though she was mortal like us all, 
I could not deem her so, 

Although I saw her still in death, 
And cold and white as snow. 

I never thought her starry eyes 
Would ever cease to beam, 

That they on me would ever cease 
With looks of love to gleam. 

I never thought her sunny smile 
On me should cease to pour, 

That Death would seal her lips and I 
Would hear her voice no more. 

If of Death I thought^ I ne'er dreamt 
He'd visit her so soon 

That her morning sun which rose so fair 
Would go down ere noon. 

Nor has her image left my breast 
One moment of my life, 

Though I have mix'd 'midst scenes of mirfl 
Where every joy was rife 

That earth could boast, though I may've seem'c 
To every mortal there 

To 've shared the mirth with equal zest, 
And seem'd all void of care — 

Yet grief lay heavy at my heart, 
Sorrow wrung my breast, — 

With all her darkest saddest thoughts 
And phantoms of unrest. 

LI. 

Men say the body of the sun 

Is hollow, hard, and cold and dun, 
A planet of stupendous size 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 85> 

But cheerless and all grim, 
^nd that light is but a floating. 

Fluid veiling circling him. 
So oft alas the heart of man 

Is like it drear and dim, 
Despite the full electric light — 

And bliss untouched by sin — 
Or woe or want, it lives and breathes 

And hides forever in. 

LII. 

Is it a dream ? or do I hear 

A murmur faint and low ? 
Sadly it comes UDto my ear, 

As though a spirit now were near 
Lamenting o'er my woe. 

Thou ever dear and mourn'd for maid 
Who slumbers in the tomb, 

'Tis thy sweet spirit sighing near 
O'er all my woe and gloom. 

Oft methink as through life I've trod, 
Since thou wert laid beneath the sod 

Aye, bid from human sight — 
I've heard thy spirit sighing low — 

Just as I've turn'd from weul to woo, 
Pelt it strive to keep me right. 

And if 'tis thee, oh come ! oh come I 
And this lost spirit save ; 

And lead my aching body forth 
Unto its yawning grave 

For thee, my bosom yet inurns 
As fondly as of yore, 

For thee my soul and being burns 
With love unknown before ; 



86 THE PR.ESIDICIDE. 

For thee each thought and feeling year** , 
That warms my bosom's core, 

No matter where my footstep turns 
I love thee more and more. 

So come to me^ in pity come, 
And if thou hast the power — 

Then take my spirit forth with thee, 
Nor leave it here to cower 

Beneath unutterable woe, 
For it has suflfer'd long, 

Borne every agony from woe's 
Deep cutting, burning thong. 

And plead thou for me in heaven 
Before the throne of Light, 

Pray my crimes be all forgiven, 
And keep my spirit right. 

If any love thou hast for me 
Like that thou once didst show, 

I know thou yet will pity me, 
And mourn o'er all my woe. 

Through thy love and that alone 
I fondly hope to win — 

Forgiveness for my deeds on earth. 
For all my crime and sin. 

For thou will kneel before thy God, 
And plead forever there 

To Him for me, yes aye to Him 
Thou'lt waft thy fervent prayer. 

And other white winfr'd saints thou'lt win 
To plead to Him with thee, 

Till He shall set my weary soul 
From sin and sorrow free, 

Plead till I with thee in heaven 
Shall boundless rapture see. 



THE PR.ESIDICIDE. 8T 

LIII. 

Ah, my God I what a strange wild train 
Of thoughts are sweeping through my brain, 

As hot blasts that o'er the desert urge — 
Seeming to howl the funeral dirge 

Of some lost caravan — 
That ne'er from sand billows shall emerge ; 

So they through my soul and being surge, 
And mind and body warp and scourge 

"With all the force they can, 
And drive me to the utmost verge 

Fell Grief could ever span. 
Ay, each thought of fell woe, and gloom 

Goes tearing through my brain — 
As the fiery, red Simoom 

That sweeps the desert plain. 
Destroying all that dares to bloom, 

Or wave in gladness there, 
Keeping all drearer than the tomb 

Wrapped in horror and despair, 

LIV. 

Ah ! will my spirit ne'er emerge 

From out this trance of woe ? 
Will rapture never more within 

This throbbing bosom glow ? 
Must I feel all this agony 

Until my dying hour ? 
Or will it then burn on as now 

And keep me 'neath its power ? 
Oh ! had I but the wine cup now 

To drink my care away, 
Then would I drain the burning bowl 

Till on the earth I lay— 
'Neath its deadening power o'crwhclm'd, 



88 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Ay, thoroughly o'ercome, 
Yea I'd drink 'till it should every 

Thought, nerve, and pain benumb, 
'Till like a clod on earth I lay — 

As senseless and as dumb, 
Senseless as the carrion o'er which 

The flies in summer hum. 
Then would I count me bless'd indeed, 

And banish from my breast — 
All these damn'd, dire thoughts and pains, 

And phantoms of unrest. 

LY. 

Ah ! had I never left those hills 

But lived beside her tomb, 
Watch'd the early flowers of spring 

Above it bud and bloom, 
And water'd them with secret tears 

Till all devouring time — 
Had bow'd me down, and ta'en my soul 

To that eternal clime — 
Where now she dwells in light serene 

And everlasting prime, 
Ever rejoicing with her God, 

A spirit all sublime, 
I had not lay upon this lair, 

And mourn'd o'er deeds of crime. 
Ah, no ! I had not been as now 

The abject low and vile. 
Without a thought, without a hope, 

My sorrow to beguile. 
Nor hail'd with terror and with dread 

The coming morning's smile. 
I had been no murderer low, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 89 

No felon dark and mean, 
No traitor of the basest kind 
That yet the earth has seen. 

LVI. 

How gladly would I wander o'er 

Some strange and savage land once more, 
Such as those hills in youth I trod, 

Ere yet affliction's scourging rod, 
And sin and sorrow's blighting frown 

Had cast me soul and body down. 
Could I live o'er my life again 

There, there I'd ever more remain, 
All free from woe, and want, and pain. 

With joy I'd view those works of God, 
And they should aye by me be trod. 

For what joy 'mongst those wastes to dwell, 
And gaze at night upon each fell, 

As lost in air its brow it rears, 
As though it propped the starry spheres. 

When dewy morning lights the world, 
How sweetly round those peaks are curl'd 

The golden clouds, how sweet to view 
When Sol bursts forth with glowing hue — 

Their silent flight through realm of blue. 
How sweet to view the sun streak'd snow 

In avalanches downward go. 
How sweet to hear the torrents roar, 

And see them down the mountains pour. 
How sweet to see the countless trees 

Tossing their branches to the breeze. 
All things around, above, below, 

Seem to say, Grod has made us so. 
From hill to hill, all wild and grand, 



90 THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

I'd roam my rifle in my hand ; 
And list with joy unto the howl 

Of wolves, as o'er those wastes they prowl. 
Without a wish, or grief or pain, 

A hunter I would still remain. 
Ever strong, sanguine, fresh, and free, 

No thought or care should trouble me. 
"With spirit, joyous, calm, and mild, 

I'd hunt the terrors of the wild. 
Each morn and eve the hills around — 

With yells of my fierce dogs should sound ; 
With them I'd search each mountain fen. 

And rout the panther from his den. 
With them I'd stop the grizzly bear, 

And drop the wolf beside his lair. 
I'd start the beaver in the brake. 

My gun should sound, his hide I'd take. 
The robe of many a buffalo 

Should shield me from the winds and snow. 
My gun should stop the antelope, 

Upon the mountain's rocky slope ; 
My hounds and I within my biel 

On him should make a wholesome meal ; 
And they should guard me through the night, 

While I lay down to slumbers light. 
Ah, yes ! without a want or pain, 

Would lever there remain ; 
Roam like the Indian who treads 

The desert with a smile, 
And makes the scenes that nature spreads 

Around, though it be gloom she sheds, 
His solitude beguile. 

Face every danger of the wold— 
At day, or midnight drear, 



THE PRuESIDICIDE. 91 

The angry monster fierce and bold, 
The tempest dreadful to behold, 

The torrent fell, and winter cold, 
Without a pang or fear. 

Like him with spirit buoyant, mild, 
I'd live the hermet of the wild, 

Far from the busy world's dull chime, 
And die at God's appointed time. 

LVII. 

My thoughts were never such as these, 

When free from woe and agonies, 
From hunger and despair, 

I rose on many a happy night, 
To charm and glad the soul and sight, 

Of all the young and fair — 
Who flock'd unto the theatre. 

To see me on the stage. 
If any came with woe oppress'd 

I could their grief assuage, 
For I indeed could act my part. 

Could either storm or rage — 
Sing, or rant, as well as any 

Bold actor of my age. 
Ay, when they came to see me play, 

No matter what my part 
That night might be, if sorrow lay 

In any gazer's heart — 
Soon smiles would his sad brow array, 

Mirth o'er his features start, 
For I could drive his care away. 

Make rapture through him dart 
Like electricity, his soul 

Awhile from sorrow's path would stroll, 



THE PR^SIBICIDE. 

And sit aglowin^ there. 

Ah, yes ! awhile away I'd roll 
The mirky fold of care. 

LVIII. 

And often in the sunny South 

Ere this fell war arose, 
Ere with the sword and cannon mouth, 

The traitors dealt their blows. 
Ere with keen dagger in their hand, 

They strove to overthrow the land, 
And cut in twain that sacred bond 

Of sisterhood and love. 
That bound these states as one, all fond, 

Sworn ne'er apart to rove. 
Ere they did war and waste proclaim, ' ' 

Bade treason's trumpet weTI^ 
Ere wrapped in smoke and scorching flame 

Proud Sumpter's ramparts fell. 
Ere the rage and hate that slumber'd 

Within their bosom's core, 
Burst in tremendous anger like 

A fell volcano's roar. 
Ere war and desolation swept 

As a tornado on, 
Bearing desolation o'er the land 

That erst in glory shone : 
I often wander'd there to dwell, 

And gayly spent my time, 
For on the stage they loved me well 

Within the Southern clime. 
They seem'd to love and honor me 

Far better than elsewhere, 
Yea, they esteem'd my merits more. 



THE PRuESIDICIDE. 

They knew them bright and rare; 
Or if they saw I had defects 

For them they did not care ; 
Though I was shunned in other lands, 

I was aye welcomed there. 
I always drew a crowded house, 

Won vast and grand applause, 
For this I grew to love them so — 

I sided with their cause. 
In any way I could what e'er 

I always took their part, 
Oared not if they were right or wrong, 

I gave my hand and heart 
To act and do and dare for them 

Even to the verge of death ; 
I'd fought in any cause for them 

Unto my latest breath. 
And when that fanatic old Brown 

Upon Virginia's soil — 
Let loose his crazy ruffian band, 

And raised that wild turmoil, 
Yea, arm'd and urged them on for war, 

And horrid scenes of broil; 
When he all like a madman came 

To set from bondage free — 
The sable hided race of men, 

Though born for that degree. 
I was the first who then arose 

To strike those villains low, 
Who dared to raise the slaves against 

Their lawful masters so, 
And strove their country's saored laws 
I To warp and overthrow. 
t led mj little band that day 



i>4 THE PRyESIDIClDE. 

As proudly as a king, 
Whois tlie bravest of his land, 

In war or listed ring. 
And when the day arrived that they 

By law were doomM to die 
There was not one in all the land 

Took keener part than I. 
I guarded well those felons vile * 

'Till cords were round them flung, 
'Till each stark dead was high upon 

The sable gallows swung. 
And yet that same old Brown I know 

Fancied to his very last — 
Thought just ere his spirit unto 

Other scenes of action past — 
That he'd plann'd, and undertaken 

To do a holy deed, 
And that everlasting glory 

Or high would be his meed. 
He thought it was no shame at all, 

Nor any act of crime, — |^- 

But a meritorious deed — i 

All noble and sublime, 
To wake up sti^iv^rand murder fell. 

And breed up discord so, 
To teach the negro how to strike 

The foul assassin's blow, 
At night to urge him on to make 

The fires of ruin glow^ 
And lay his master's stately home 

In dust and ashes low. 
He thought it just that all the whites 

Within the South should die. 
So that the negro might arise 



THE PR^SIDIOIDB. 95 

From bonds of slavery. 
For this, ay solely for that cause 

He murder's flag unfurl'd, 
And swore that he was working good 

To God and all the world. 
And so it is with all like him, 

They always seem to feel, 
No matter what black crime they do, 

It is an act of weal. 
They show no sign of grief or dule, 

For any deed of theirs, 
No matter how gross, dark and foul, 

It to the world appears. 
And although human law and rule 

Should their fierce heat for carnage cool, 
And force them to account, 

Doom them to suffer and to die 
A death of shame and infamy — 

Upon the gallows dark and high, 
Yet with unflinching nerve and eye — 

They will the scaffold mount. 
Feign exuberance of extacy. 

Swear 'till their latest breath — 
That mankind carry them to die 

A noble martyr's death. 

LIX. 

Away with thoughts like these, I'll back 

To that infernal time 
When I sat with murderers fell 

And plann'd the cursed crime. 
That cruel blow that turn'd to woe, 

And darkness dread and strange, 
The loyal and the leal throughout 



96 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Broad Columbia's range. 
That made her trembling start, as though 

An earthquake shook the world, 
And her high pinnacle of joy 

To woe and sorrow hurl'd. 
Ay, all were happy in the land 

Ere that fatal buUet sped, 
Ere I the treacherous and vile 

Laid noble Lincoln dead. 
For every day throughout the land 

The joyous tidings peal'd — 
That same vast army of the foe 

Upon a bloodless field 
Had surrendered to the North, and more 

Without a blow, or drop of gore 
Were just about to yield, 

That soon no traitor in the land 
The bloody sword should wield. • 

All look'd for speedy peace supreme, 
And rapture unconfined, 

All hoped that peace right soon again 
Would o'er the land assume her reign; 

That the erring states with us again 
In loving sisterhood would bind ; 

And nowhere in the land was seen 
A dark and sorrow stricken mind. 

When I the blasting Clyclone rose, 
Witherd their blooming mirth. 

Spread gloom like shadow of eclipse 
That darkens half the earth. 

As a fire of blight and woe 
By driving tempests fann'd, 

The fell tremendous tidings swept 
Throughout the startled land. 



I 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 97 

And all the nation mourns for him^ 
All mirth has ceased to glow, 

And from the stately mansions^ hangs 
The drapery of woe. 

Ah ! many a head is bowM with grief 
And many an eye is dim, 

As in the churches o'er the land 
They sing the funeral hymn. 

For me each face within the land 
Is pale with rage and hate, 

And if they had me in their hands 
I'd meet a ghastly fate, 

And nothing in this world shall e'er 
Their burning fury tame, 

They curse me for the deed, and wish 
Me in hell's hissing flame. 

Each in his mind prepares some death, 
And swears that I shall feel 

A death of pain unknown before, 
E'en on the torturing wheel. 

LX. 

Ah ! wherefore lie I on this lair 

And recall such deeds of wrong!|? 
Why let them round my aching brain 

Like burning Furies throng ? 
Why let them throb within the brain, 

Till like a writhing storm 
Of liquid fire — the heated blood 

Goes rushing through my form ! 
And ghastly phantoms seem to rise 

And sceer and scoff alkdW^^"^ 
And full before my glaring eyes 

Limn all my infamy. 



/* 



98 THH PR^SIDICIDE. 

But I must back, and bravely back 

To that infernal time, 
When back from Canada I came 

Big with thoughts of blood and crime. 
Came as some mirky cloud that looms 

At noonday on the hill, 
Surcharged with lightnings dread and fierce, 

And thunders fell, doom'd soon to pierce, 
And boom through half the universe, 

And spread o'er it a blight and curse, 
When all is bright and still. 

Ay, destined for an end far worse. 
To waste^ to slay and blast, 

The happy nation to submerse 
In Sorrow's ocean vast. 

To send o'er it a sable hearse, 
And agonizing thrill, 
/ Just as Victory grand and terse^ 
Brought Rapture, as a healing nurse 

Each aching breast to fill. 



'& 



LXI. 



Methinks I can recall the day 

I left the merry shore 
Of Canada, where heartily 

I wish myself once more, 
But where alas I ne'er again 

May ever hope to tour. 
Around me on that sunny day 

Throng'd the plotters of the crime, 
Ay, they who plann'd and plotted it^ 

And fix'd the awful time. 
Men whose fell spirits only thought 

Of deeds, of sin and harm, 



J 



THE PR.ESIDICIDE. 99 

Deeds that might strike the fiends of hell 

With terror and alarm, 
Ay, make them tremble fear and cower, 

And yet who possess'd the power 
To draw, and lure, and charm — 

Some fool like me within their plot 
Make him their tool and arm. 

Yea, they were heads of hellish schemes, 
Fell as those of which a demon dreams, 

But never once the men — 
To lift a bold and sturdy hand — 

To deal a blow in plots thej plannM ; 
Or face the danger when 

The spark that into flames they fanned 
Swept o'er forest, moor and fen, 

Making Desolation o'er the land 
Her blasting sable wings expand, 

They were always missing then 
Soon as they dropped the burning brand — 

They forced some tool of theirs 
When he the brunt of all should stand, 

Him drove in traps and snares, 
While they far off a sneaking scann'd 

His tortures and his throes; 
Nor came with spirit bold and grand 

To share his griefs and woes. 
Came not to share with him the crime, 

Nor help him scape the rack, 
But aid to damn him through all time — 

In every age in every clime, 
And loose hounds upon his track. 

They think if they should mournful seem 
Or aught of friendship show, 

For him who carried out their scheme 



100 THE PBjESIDICIDE. 

Of murder vile and low, 

That every one they met would deem 
They had a hand in it, 

And if him they strove to screen 
From law and justice, suspicion keen 

Would soon upon them sit, 
So ^twould be folly most extreme, 

Foolish as a maniac^s dream, 
All void of sense and wit. 

So they leave him to his fate 
Whatever it may be, 

Ay, to the people's wrath and hate. 
As they 've abondon'd me. 

But I remember how they swore 
To give me help and aid. 

When ever dangers fell and sore 
Should be around me laid. 

They swore by the eternal God 
That through all future time — 

No matter where on earth I trod, 
Whatever deck or clime, 

That I should feel no scourging rod, 
Nor mourn the deed of crime. 

And wealth they swore that I should have, 
Yea, such vast piles of gold — 

That Croesus' ample coffers 
The half could never hold, 

That soon as I the deed should brave. 
It should to me be told. 

And where is it ? and where are they 
Upon this woeful night ? 

Far away from me, and perhaps 
Now laughing at my plight, 

They would not give now so much 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 101 

As e'en the widow's mite ; 

Nor will they lift a hand to save 
Me from the gallows and the graye. 

. LXII. 

Ah, my God ! what a fool was I 

To herd with men so vile, 
And swallow down each crafty lie 

They breathed to me the while, 
Men black with foul dishonor's dye, 

And steep'd in crail and guile ; 
And yet I loved those devils sly, 

And doted on their smile. 
I deem'd their hearts were warm and true, 

And that they meant to bear me through ; 
They clasped me by the hand — 

And told me of the plot, and drew 
Me in the scheme they plann'd. 

''Now list to us" they thus began, 
*'We know you bold and brave, 

That ne'er a more courageous man 
Has ever faced the battle's van, 

On land or ocean's wave. 
We know your heart is true as steel, 

Would ne'er in scenes of danger reel, 
But be firm as adamant. 

That you are stalwart brave and leal, 
And after fame doth pant. 

And would sooner dip. than e'er reveal ; 
What so e'er you swear to conceal ; 

Though it caused you more of woe than weal — 
O'er it you would not rant, 

But onward press with daring zeal, 
E'en when all other hearts would feel 



102 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

That hope was all extant. 
And so we give to you the task 

To risk the daring deed, 
To work the plot, and all we ask — 

That you o'er it will keep a mask, 
If it should not succeed, 

Ne'er use so free the burning bowl 
That it may e'er mislead 

Your daring reckless tongue and soul^ 
So others may the plot unroll. 

And bring us into harm ; 
Do you but act discreet and wise, 

And we'll take the nation by surprise. 
And shake it with alarm. 

Yea, by one bold vigorous blow 
We will the Northern states o'erthrow, 

Upset their law and rule, 
Spread anarchy, and ruin wide. 

And humble all their strength and pride 
To weakness, woe and dule ! 

Now list to what we've schemed and plann'd. 
The foremost of the Federal land 

We must assassinate. 
Lincoln, Johnson, Seward, and all 

The Cabinet both great and small, 
Alike must share that fate. 

The task is easy unto one 
As bold and brave as you, 

One who was never known to shun 
A daring deed, nor fear nor run 

When dangers round him grew 
Ay, with some dozen men like you 

Whose souls in danger's hour are true, 
Whose nerves are sure and strong, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

Upon some dark and stormy night 
You might put all their souls to flight, 

Send them to endless gloom or light, 
Then arise in power and might, 

Be themes for tale and song. 
Such dread confusion and misrule 

Mix'd with dark horror and with dule. 
Such strife and anarchy. 

Such overthrow of all the laws 
Will then ensue, that none will pause 

To seek the monsters who did cause 
The woe and agony. 

Ay, all so terrible and dread 
And fell will be the times — 

That none will ever dare to seek 
The authors of the crimes. 

For each will be afraid to trust 
His neighbor at his side, 

Lest he an archfiend traitor be, 
And murder, rapine, robbery, 

Will thunder far and wide. 
And then if you'll be bold and brave, 

And each one of your tierce conclave 
Would to yourselves be true — 

You'll fear no fools who dare to rave, 
And throw the crime on you, 

And if you find so bold a fool — 
Soon have him close confined, 

Him treat to gallows or the knife, 
And force in every mind — 

He was an author of the crime, 
And that you only strive 

To guard and shield your native clime, 
And keep its laws alive. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Soon you will icatter in dismay 
Each secret waspish hive 

Of men, who aught against you say, 
Or plots 'gainst you contrive. 

Do you right fearless seize the helm, 
And all the reins that guide the realm, 

Alike of church and state, 
Nor fear that aught shall you o'erwhelm, 

Be bold and firm as fate. 
And soon unto your aid will come 

The armies of the South, 
All will be law within the land 

That issu](es from your mouth, 
Those who hate you will be afraid 

'Gainst you to lift ahaod, 
They will be instantly disniay'd, 

Soon as they see your friends array'd. 
And round you take their stand. 

Thousands will flock unto your aid 
And keep you in command. 

All the South will on you confer 
A blessing through all time, 

And hail you its deliverer 
From the strong Northern dime. 

Though the task be easy, it is true 
Fell dangers hover round, 

One miss step in it may make us rue 
And bring us to the ground. 

Let prudence, caution, selfcontrol. 
Be aye at your command, 

See each be a true and trusty soul 
Who in it takes a hand. 

Thus kingdoms have been won by men 
Who had the soul and nerve 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 105 

To strike for them, ay, men whom nought 
From high intents could swerve. 

Men who shall never be forgot, 
Their aims, nor deeds, nor names, 

But still across the world shall stream 
Bright as the Northern flames. 

Be alike the terror and the dread. 
And joy of human kind, 

Theii names aye make the tyrant quake, 
And cheer the martyr's mind. 

So say you'll undertake the deed 
And win a deathless name, 

Win wealthy honor, rank, and power. 
And everlasting fame." 

LXIII. 

IVe heard that serpents have the power 

To draw, and charm, and lure, 
The lion in their hideous coil 

And hold him there secure. 
And that the huntsman far away 

Though strong, and brave, and bold, 
They draw beneath their magic spell 

Within their awful fold. 
I've heard the Ignis Fatuus 

Oft deludes and misleads men, 
From off their fair and open path 

Into some loathsome fen. 
And that still on they follow it 

As bound by charm or spell, 
Until the moss beneath them breaks, 

And they tread the frightful well. 
I've heard Caprea's fatal Sirens 

Far sweeter songs could sing, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Than those with which the muses made 

The courts of heaven ring. 
And that the seaman far away 

Who chanced to hear their strain 
Would needs approach their fatal shore, 

And die a death of pain. 
I've heard that poison'd deadly fruit 

Is sweeter to the taste, 
And far more pleasing to the eye, # 

Than that which of the fatal dye 
Is pure, and clean and chaste. 

I've heard there are men who a charm 
And spell and power possess, 

A mysterious influence, 
Which they throw o'er men, and ever hence 

Can hold them in duress. 
And then by look, or nod, or sign, 

With all power and ease — 
Can make them do and act for them. 

Ay, lead them where they please. 
And I believe those treacherous men 

Who urged me on to crime, 
Who plann'd the murder dark and foul, 

And fix'd it's awful time — 
Possess'd infernal charms and spells — 

Not own'd by all mankind. 
Not e'en by all who ever are 

To deeds of hell inclined. 
Not e'en by all of those the good 

And virtuous condemn, 
For ever since that fatal day 

That first I met with them — 
And leagued in their dark schemes of crime, 

Of horror and of wrath, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

No power had I to check my course, 

Or ever shun their path, 
I lay heneath their will and rule 

As ^neath a serpent's charm, 
I could not see they urged me on 

To future woe and harm. 
They knew Fd ever court the path 

Where dangers fell were found. 
Nor e'er one moment pause to see 

How vast they hover'd round. 
They knew that I was easy led 

By artful men like them, 
So me they proffer'd boundless wealth, 

A throne and diadem. 
To prompt me on to dare their schemes 

Deeds which they fear'd to do, 
For which they knew full well that I 

Would ever mourn and rue. 
But wherefore should they care for thut 

Just so they gain'd their aims, 
They knew the crime would rest on me 

And ne'er would taint their names. 
They knew I was a thoughtless man, 

A daring wayward fool. 
The man for them to choose and make 

Their champion and their tool. 

Lxiy. 

Men say the age of this round world 

Is but six thousand years. 
But through Geology I swear 

It older far appears. 
For rocks around this world abound 

In every sea and clime. 



THB PRiESIDICIDB. 

That would have ta'en to form their growth 

Two million years of time. 
And if it is two million years 

Since earth its course began, 
Since fresh from God's own hand it sprung 

All molded to His plan — 
Oh ! what countless, countless millions 

Of us frail human kind, 
Must then have lived and died on earth 

And been to dust consigned. 
They 've been countless as the grains of sand 

That lie on ocean's shore, 
And those that lie in desert wastes 

O'er which the Simooms roar, 
More countless than the drops of rain 

That now from heaven fall, 
Numberless as the yearly leaves 

That crown the forests tall. 
They've been so vast there's no blade of grass 

That waves unto the storm, 
But springs from atoms that erst made up 

A living human form, 
And yet I verily believe 

'Mongst all those millions vast 
That through this trying world of woe 

From life to death have past — 
There never breathed a blinder fool 

Than me in every way. 
Nor men more steep'd in craft and guile 

And treacherous than they. 

LXV. 

By Heaven, I exclaimed ! I swear 
To do the thing proposed, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 109 

If I fail may these eyes of mine 

Right swift in death be closed. 
Ay, let me die, torn in a cloud 

By angry ghosts of men, 
So that i never pine or die 

"Within a dungeon den. 
But if I fail 'twill be because 

The hand of God was near, 
Opposed the deed, and smote me down 

With palsy and with fear. 
A fitter champion than I 

Ye never could have found. 
Had ye travel'd o'er all the world, 

And search'd it round and round. 
I swear that back Til never come 

Till I have braved the deed, 
And me ye ne'er again shall see 

If I should not succeed. 
Yea, never more in Montreal 

My foot shall tread, my shadow fall. 
My voice again be heard. 

And cursed be he within the plot. 
Yes whether it succeed or not, 

Who is so void of soul and wit 
As to betray one leagued in it, 

By hint, or deed, or word. 
And if it ever be my fate 

To meet him once again. 
Right face to face in tavern hall, 

In street or open plain. 
His life shall answer for the deed, 

And none will ever know — 
I gave the servile prating wretch 

The swift and fatal blow. 



110 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

If I succeed in this emprise. 

For by my soul I will, 
Yea truly as the sun now sinks 

Behind yon sombre hill, 
To every one who gives me aid 

And shields me from the crime, 
And will uphold what'er I do 

At any place or time, 
I will reward his services, 

And all his toils repay — 
With posts of honor, wealth, and power, 

Give him a broad and ample dower, 
Dominion and wide sway. 

I will forget no friend nor foe 
Who breathes this vital air, 

So let all a fair warning take 
And of their deeds beware. 

And now I go to deal the blow, 
Empire is mine aim, 

And ere a year goes round, wide o^er 
The world shall stream my name. 

Soon as we spring to rank and power, 
And fix ourselves secure, 

When we our might establish 
So it shall aye endure — 

High times we'll have for sport and mirth) 
Abd pleasures that allure, 

And charm the soul of mortal man. 
And if we chance to find 

The people do not like our rule 
And 'gainst us set their mind. 

Then instantly we will declare 
War 'gainst some foreign land, 

And send off our enemies 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. Ill 

To fight upon that strand. 

England is aye ready for war, 
^Gainst her the strife we'll wage, 

By doing it we will avert 
The rabble's hate and rage 

A war with her would last so long 
^Twould give us ample time — 

To fix our selves secure. 
And free ourselves of crime. 

No matter how the war might end 
One thing is true and plain, 

By it we'll thin out those who hate 
The way we rule and reign. 

And then meanwhile we'll rise so high 
In wealth, and rank, and power, 

That all our foes beneath our frown 
Will tremble quail and cower. 

And then not one within the land 
Would venture or would dare — 

Ay, think so little of his neck 
As throw at us a sneer. 

Or whisper we were guilty of 
The crime in any way, 

Or even hint we had no right 
The realm to rule and sway. 

And in the eyes of all the world 
I'll stand so grand and high, 

That no foreign power will blend 
My name with infamy. 

But yield to me the homage due 
My rank and power will claim, 
I They'll seek my love, and shun my rage, 
And glory in my name. 

For those whose souls Ambition stirs 



112 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

To posts of tigh renown, 

If Fortune standeth by their side, 
Success their aims should crown, 

No matter by what ends they're gain'd- 
Though it be deadly sin, 

They're counted heroes by the world 
Soon as their points they win. 

But he who Fortune casts aside, 
Nor aids to gain his aims, 

Though keenest honor guides him on 
And all his soul inflames, 

He wins the curses of the world, 
Its hatred and its frown, 

Yea, all his fellowmen combine 
To crush and hurl him down. 

Thief, villain, traitor, wretch and fool^ 
These are the mildest names — 

For those whom Fortune favors not. 
Though high and grand their aims. 

And now I'll strike with all my might 
For rank, and wealth, and fame, 
* I'll win or die in the attempt 
An everlasting name. 

So farewell, and once more farewell, 
Let^s feel each grasp again. 

Haste, be quick and swift as lightning^ 
For yonder comes the Train. 

There, there, 'tis done, — and now I go, 
E'en though I wend in vain 

E'en though it brings me less of weal, 
Than woe and ghastly pain. 

LXVI. 
I leap'd upon the Railway Train^ 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 113 

And as it steamM away 
T cast one anxious look behind, 

And took my last survey — 
Of those fell villains who combined 

As with one heart and with one mind — 
To make me their victim and their tool, 

Because I was a reckless fool, 
As wayward and as bold a man — 

As e'er midst scenes of horror ran 
Since earth and sea their course began. 

And they sly and sharp as any clique — 
That ever aim'd themselves to pique 

As masters of all guile ; 
Yea as ever sought to stand unique 

In art of subtlest wile ! 
Whilst gazing on that cunning league 

Of exiled traitors there, 
Those basest villains of intrigue 

That ever trod this sphere ; 
T saw upon their features play 

A bright and lively smile, 
And I was such a thoughtless fool 

To fancy all the while — 
They smiled in admiration of 

My courage prompt and true, 
That in their souls they reverenced me, 

With all the homage due — 
To some bold warrior of old time, 

Who with sword, shield, and helm, 
Singly fought the Paynim hosts 

And did their hordes o'erwhelm. 
But now I know full well it must 

Have been a smile of scorn, 
Of hate, derision and contempt 



114 THE PRJESIDICIDE. 

That did their brows adorn. 
It was that cunning subtle smile 

That almost looks sublime, 
Known to none but mortals of their style, 

Men who are steeped in craft and guile, 
Yea, who are alchemists in wile, 

And every heinous crime, 
Men sprung from hell's own teeming school 

Of sin and infamy, 
Men who can look all mild and cool 

Whilst plotting felony. 
And quickly coax some brainless fool 

To be their champion and their tool, 
When'er they wish a priceless pool 

Of blood and carnage spilt, 
Charm them by some power or spell, 

To dark malicious deeds of hell. 
Deeds foul and horrible and fell, 

And throw a charm o'er guilt. 
Hell how they must have laugh'd and chuckled 

In full contempt at me, 
And ridiculed the brainless wretch 

Who had not eyes to see — 
How he was gull'd and humbugged on 

To be their butt and tool, 
Great God ! they must have look'd on me 

As the most rash brain'd fool, 
The most egregious senseless knave 

That ever trod on earth, 
Or fiird a lone unhonor'd grave 

Since this wide world had birth. 
Now part of the foul plot is done, 

And that part done by me, 
They must curse me for its failure 



i 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 115 

And sneer in raillery. 
If there's one galling thing on earth 

Beyond all other dule, — 
'Tis to become the sport and mirth, 

The jest and ridicule, 
The serf, the servant, and the slave, 

The victim and the tool, 
The butt, the scullion, and the knave, 

The dupe, and ass, and fool 
Of surreptitious fiends like these, 

Men schooi'd in every crime, 
That yet the devil taught to man 

Through all revolving time. 
Oh, cursed be all their days on earth ! 

Ay, every hour they live, 
May they ne'er feel one ray of mirth, 

Nor hope one solace give. 
Cursed be the very air they breathe 

Through life, and when they die 
May flames of woe around them wreathe 

With tenfold agony. 
'Twas they who plann'd and schemed the way 

To shed the priceless blood, 
Take the life of the noblest man 

That ever since the world began 
Has gazed on land or flood. 

Yea, they devised the felon plot, 
The dark malicious crime, 

By God and man they shall be cursed 
Through all revolving time, 

Hark ! hark ! a voice rings in my ear, 
I hear it whisper loud and clear, 

"Fell devil hold thy curse. 
Wretch, traitor, villain, murderer, 



116 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Thy curses to thyself transfer, 
For Felon thou art worse — 

Than all that base malicious throng — 
That plann'd the deed of sin and wrong, 

Of horror and of gloom, 
That sent the valiant and the strong 

Unto the silent tomb, 
Thine was the arm that dealt the blow, 

Thine was the hand that laid him low, 
All cowardly and fell. 

More cowardly in every wise 
Than any demon could devise, 

That ever roam'd through hell. 
For it thou shall be damn'd and cursed 

Through all the flight of time, 
Be deem'd the fiercest fiend and worst, 

That e'er through hell's barriers burst, 
And came to practice crime 

Amongst the sons of men, yes thou 
With willing heart and smiling brow, 

Aim'd the fatal bullet at his head, 
And laid our best and noblest dead, 

'Cause he strove to keep the nation free 
Of dark misrule and anarchy. 

And laid rebellion low ; 
Because he never injured thee. 

Nor caused thee aught of woe ! 
The noble land that gave thee birth, 

Which above all things on earth — 
Thou shouldst have loved with heart and soul, 

Let nought on earth that love control, 
Thou strovest to crush and overthrow, 

To ruin and despoil, 
To hurl in anarchy and woe, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 117 

And bloody fierce turmoil. 
In Danger's deepest^ darkest gurfre, 

And sea, thou wouldst engulf her, 
Make Tumult o'er her howl and surge 

With sto'-ms of flame and sulphur. 
For it by her thou shalt be cursed 

While her existence runs, 
Be deem'd the basest and the worst 

Of all her erring sons. 
So groan amidst the midnight gloom 

AVith anguish fell and vast, 
Have, howl above thy empty tomb 

Unto the roaring blast, 
For thou shalt meet thy awful doom 

That is approaching fast/* 

LXVIL 

O ! that this bitter agony 

(Jf body and of mind — 
Would snap in twain the cord of life 

That binds them in this world of strife, 
And let them seek and find 

'J hat rest and respite in the grave, 
Which death alone can briup:, 

Fur I would fain believe that creed, 
That wild imagining. 

That when the human body dies, 
Its immortal soul remains 

Forever where the carcass lies, 
Free alike of joys and pains. 

Without a thrill of joy or weal, 
Or pang of grim despair, 

Without a thought of heavenly bliss, 
Or earthly woe or care, 



118 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

It sits forever gazing on 
Its carcass 'neath the sod, 

Or 'neath the wave, unseen of all 
Except the eye of God. 

And when liis awful trumpet sounds 
Through seas and earth's remotest bounds* 

Calls the dead to life again 
Yea, all who molder on the world, 

All who from place to place are hurl'd 
Within the howling main. 

Their souls and forms again unite, 
In serene and endless prime, 

Then soar to rapture and delight, 
Freed of all their earthly crime. 

Forgiven all their deeds on earth, 
And every thought that gave them birth, 

Through the eternal love of Him 
Who died on Calvery^ 

Who sits between the Cherubim, 
And ever there shall be — 

To plead for guilty man, and all 
The children of this world, 

So that their spirits may not be 
To utter darkness hurl'd. 

LXVIII. 

Oh ! that I'd been born a Hindoo chief^ 

Reard 'mongst the Imaus fells. 
Where the rapid Indus plunges, 

Bellows through the flinty dells. 
And where the blasts and hurricanes 

In endless fury blow — 
O'er the terrific avalanche, 

And everlasting snow, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE, 



119 




Where Kunchinginga's V)1()\a's ^re 

Heights on h(Mghts stupendous hurl'd, 

Where Braiiia sits with wrathful eye 
And views the erring world. 



THE PRuESIDICIDE. IID 

Yea, where those enormous masses 

To heaven their foreheads throw, 
And vast eternal shadows fling 

Across the vales below. 
Above whose grand stupendous peaks 

And adamantine walls — 
Aye eagle unto eagle screams, 

To vulture vulture calls. 
Where o'er the torrent broad and deep, 

And grim, unfathomed gulf, 
The panther and the tiger leap, 

And ever howling wulf. 
I'd wander'd where Jamootri stands 

Wrapt in his icy shrouds, 
And where tall Dhaiboon frowns 

Amidst a night of clouds. 
Where Kunchinginga's brows are v 

Heights on heights stupendous hurl'd, 
Where Brama sits with wrathful eye 

And views the erring world. 
As some vast giant aye there he sits 

Wrapp'd in his starry robe, 
And never moves bis eager eye 

From off the rolling globe. 
Like the Hindoo I had gazed with awe 

On the cloudcapped height, thought I saw 
His sublime and awful form 

And fancied that I heard his voice 
'Midst torrent and the flood rejoice, 

The lightning and the storm. 
Fancied no matter what I did 

Let it been good or ill — 
That it was Brama urged me oa 

And that I worked his will. 



120 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Oh ! had I been born a Hindoo, 

And cradled in their creed, 
Rocked in superstition's bower^ 

Then I'd been bless'd in deed 
My mind like theirs would have been trained 

To fancy, think and feel, 
All those I loathed within this world 

Should perish by my steel. 
Taught to think every one I loathed 

Was Brama's mortal foe, 
And that for Brama's sake and mine 

I should aye strike him low. 
That if I chanced to let him live 

And prosper in this world. 
If in a dark untimely grave 

He ne'er by me was hurl'd, 
That Brama's burning wrath and hate 

Would ever glow for me, 
His eternal bowers of bliss 

Mine eye should never see. 
Had I been tutored in that creed, 

I had not felt as now. 
Dark sorrow had not torn my soul. 

Nor anguish gloora'd my brow. 
Instead of seeming base and foul 

To make a good man bleed — 
It would have then appear'd to me 

A just and righteous deed. 
And I had gloried in the act 

At every move and turn, 
For it my breast had ever been 

Bright joy and rapture's urn. 
And I had callous grown to crime 

As the flinty rocks that sleep — 



THE PR^SIDIOIDE. 121 

'Neath everlasting snow upon 

Himalaya's frozen steep. 
Oh ! I had never felt remorse 

For any dftcd of crime, 
Conscience would ne'er l^ave smitten me 

As at this awful time. 
Curse on these thoughts, I know not why 

They cleave around me so, 
I strive to drive them from my mind, 

But still they come and go, 
As blasts that o'er the desert waste 

Are sweeping to and fro. 

LXIX. 

When T arrived in "Washington 

Gayly I spent my time, 
For 'twas an easy task to find. 

Men who immediately combined 
With me to work the crime. 

The very hour I arrived 
Within the fatal town 

Though it was night, and wild with storms, 
And rain was pouring:; down, 

Right straight to Dame Surratt's I went 
And told her of the scheme. 

And how I sought to make the realm 
With gore and carnage stream. 

Madame, I said, if I could find 
Some bold and venturous men, 

To aid me in the plot, the whole 
Were sure to prosper then. 

Nothing would then be left undone 
In any shape or way, 

If they were only prompt and true, 



THE PR^ SIDICIDE. 

And did what e'er they swore to do, 

And would my words obey. 
For I would fix the time for them 

To move and strike with me, 
I to each one will give his task 

No matter what it be. 
And we all at the self same time 

Upon some mirky night, 
AVhen no one dreams of harm or crime 

Will put their souls to flight. 
The plot is far too large for me 

To work out right alone, 
But if thou'U help me gain some help 

I soon will mount a throne. 
And then thy fortune will be made 

As sure as we are here, 
Thy services be well repaid 

As ever mortal's were. 
"By heaven" she exclaim'd *'I swear 

Thy plot ^s a noble thing, 
And all the aid that thou shalt need 

Unto thy side I'll bring. 
I'll work for thee in storm and shine 

Let weal or woe betide, 
Thy glorious goal I'll aid thee win 

Or perish by thy side. 
Ah, Booth ! oft in thine infancy, 

I have rejoiced the while 
I've held and rocked thee on my knee, 

And watch'd thy infant smile. 
I've often said the day would come 

If to the age of man — 
It should please the Almighty's will 

Thy days ou earth should span, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 123 

Thou wouldst rise and tower above 

The common herd of men ; 
I see those words are coming true 

I chanced to utter then. 
And so let good or ill betide 

Thy fortune's mine my boy, 
All I can do or say for thee 

I will with utmost joy, 
And all the arts and wiles I own 

I will for thee employ. 
And know, long as I live thou art 

Welcome to my abode ; 
But thou has journey'd far and long 

A rough and weary road. 
And tired, and cold, and hungry, 

I know thou now must be, 
So pause 'till I bring food and wine 

To warm and comfort thee." 

LXX. 

She heapM the board with food and wine, 

Yea, of the choicest kind, 
And soon I felt refresh'd and cheer'd 

In body and in mind 
Aha ! were such a feast as that 

But spread before me now, 
I would forget my broken limb, 

Nor heed my burning brow. 
Bight long we sat beside the board, 

And long we talk'd of things, 
That would have scared the fiend away 

On more than lightning wingg 
In thought a hundred times and more 

We did assassianate — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

All those the cruel plot had doom'd 

To an untimely fate, 
And we gloried in the deed 

As the devil and his mate — 
Mio;Lt with vast rapture glow o'er scenes 

Of horror and of hate. 
In thought dominion far and near. 

And wealth were all my own, 
In thought I wore a kingly crown, 

And sat upon a throne, 
With trusty nobles at my side, 

And armies at my hand, 
And I was owned by all the world 

As monarch of the land. 
Ah ! thus we talked and thus we thought 

And down the wine we pour'd, 
Till I from toil and drunkenness 

Roll'd down beneath the board. 
T^ese were the last sounds of that night 

That in miae ear did rincj, 
"Good nitrht thou brave and sturdy chief 

Columbia's future king/' 

LXXI. 

'Tis strange what awful visions crawl 

Across the minds of men — 
When sleep has wrapped the senses all 

In her dark mysterious pall, 
And how they haunt them then. 

How those visions seem to torture them, 
Round them cast a fiery hem, 

And awful gulfs of woe. 
O'er which it seems they needs must pass, 

And face the scorching glow. 



THE PRJESIDICIDE. 125 

Keenly we feel the pangs of pain 

Through all our being go, 
It seems to pass before the mind 

As though 'twere really so. 
That nii^ht as o'erpowered with wine 

I slept upon the floor, 
Fell tremendous scenes of horror 

Pass'd all my mind before, 
Which chill'd the blood within my veins 

And rack'd my spirit sore. 
Methought I sat upon a hill — 

The day was bright and cold. 
Far away in a gulf below 

Potomac's waters roll'd, 
Lost in thought I gazed on the spray 

'Twas glorious to behold, 
For 'neath the glowing beams of day 

It almost looked like gold. 
When lo I I heard a distant sound 

As horse hoofs on the frozen ground, 
And instantly I turn'd around. 

Saw a horseman coming on. 
As up the rocky hill he wound 

Like gold his armor shone. 
For sheathed was he from head to heel 

In glorious panoply of steel, 
High upon his glittering helm 

He wore a snow white plume, 
His steed was swift as sands that drift 

Before the red Simoom, 
And huge and strong in form and limb, 

And whiter than the foam 
That clothes the Caribbean seas 

When forth the tempests roam. 



126 THE PR^SIDICIDE.. 

While I gazed upon that rider 

I shook with deadly awe, 
Although such men in ancient days 

With joy the people saw. 
I thought of Bayard of old time, 

Of godlike Charlemagne, 
And of mighty Ooeur de Lion 

Whose armor shone like flame. 
I thought of valiant Ivanhoe 

Whose helmet gleam' d afar — 
'Midst the wreck and whirl of battle 

Like some transcendent star. 
And he who won famed Ivy's field 

Bold Henry of Navarre. 
And thought of Alfred afore whose wrath 

The Dane as chaflF were hurl'd, 
When at Eddington their magic flag 

Was to the winds unfurl'd. 
"Arise and come with me'' he said 

With voice as thunder loud, 
** Arise and mount and ride with me 

On whirlwind and on cloud. 
We'll ride o'er earthquake, war and storm 

Through fire, light and gloom, 
And o'er the bellowing oceans. 

All wrapped in clouds of spume." 

LXXIT. 

Trembling I rose at his command, 

And vaulted on his steed, 
Then up through the liquid ether 

We rode with lightning speed. 
At every stride his courser took 

It seem'd a thousand miles, 



THE PB-<ES IDICIDE. 12' 

We rode o'er kingdoms and dominions. 

O'er continents and isles. 
^'See yonder'' said the deep toned voice, 

^'Now with a single glance— 
Thou canst espy fair Italy, 

And fields of sunny France, 
And yonder o'er yon little mere 

Stands proud Brittania's clime, 
Where I was born^ cradled, and rear'd 

To manhood's glowing prime, 
And for whose glory and renown 

I warr'd in ancient time. 
Come open thine eyes and gaze around 

And look upon the world. 
Beheld, how Etna's smoke and flame 

In waving peaks are curl'd, 
And how Vesuvius' flames 

Unto the skies are hurl'd. 
Lo ! thou canst view all Europe's range, 

And that vast flood that lies — 
Between it and those hills that stand 

'Neath Asia's sunny skies. 
There are the Himalaya fells 

Heights on heights stupendous hurl'd, 
Like the pillows of the heavens 

Like the bulwarks of the world. 
Those enormous heights through earthquakes 

And volcanoes had their birth, 
They are but vast upheavals from 

The bowels of the earth. 
Lo ! there are Arabia's wilds, 

The land of Ishmael's race. 
The land of bold and hardy chiefs 

In battle or in chase, 



128 THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

And yonder is wide Africa 

Where roaring Ni^jer runs, 
Behold her waste and fertile plains^ 

And see her sable sons." 

LXXIII. 

He ceased and o'er the spacious world 

A sudden Storm arose, 
The waves of ocean lashed the skies. 

Earth groan 'd with awful throes. 
The sun was hid within the sky, 

And darkness fell around — 
Darkness far drearer than the tomb, 

And horror most profound. 
By earthquakes far within the sea 

Ponderous rocks were hurl'd, 
And with tumultuous thunders crashed 

The mountains of the world. 
I lay within that warrior's arms 

As lifeless as a stone, 
For fell tremendous horror thrill'd 

Through nerve, and vein, and bone, 
A death like palsy seized my frame, 

I strove to cry, no murmur came, . 
All power of voice was gone. 

Proudly midst blast and hurricane 
He rear'd his steel clad form. 

His charger neigh'd, and paw'd the clouds, 
And galloped on the storm. 

"Mortal, the strong voice said/' fear nought 
No harm shall you befall, — 

As Safe upon this charger's form 
You ride with me o'er blast and storm. 

O'er oceans fierce, volcanoes warm, 



THE Pll^SIDICIDE. 129 

And o'er the earthquake's brawl, 

As when you sit in sloth and ease 
Surrounded with earth's luxuries, 

And fann'd by summer's balmy breeze, 
Within some peaceful hall." 

LXXIY. 

Then from the crashing elements 

Around, above, helow, 
I heard a song of prayer and praise 

To the Almighty flow. 
Strong, exultant, grand, harmonious. 

And blissful pure sublime, 
It rose, and swell'd, and roar'd, and roll'd, 

From every sea and clime. 
Glory to God Almighty ! 

They sang with one accord, 
Who form'd, and made and fashion'd us 

And shall be aye adored. 
Father Almighty ! we are Thine — 

By Thy will we live and move, 
And all our glory is — Thy 

Wondrous power to prove. 
Pity, aud mercy have on ua 

When comes Thy day of wrath, 
Forever guide and keep us on 

Thy bless'd aud righteous path. 
Oh, may we ne'er too deeply feel 

Thy anger and Thy rod, 
For we're but as a grain of sand 

Within Thy strong eternal hand 
Thou just and holy God ! 

Oh, Thou who form'd the earth and seas. 
And all the stars and heaven, 



130 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Let not the meanest thing Thou'st form'd 
To utter night be driven, 

Let mercy unto it be shown, 
And Thy kind succor given." 

LXXV. 

While thus they sang o'er land and flood 

With lightning speed we past, 
Our charger pawed the swarthy cloud, 

And snuff'd the storm and blast. 
We pass'd o'er nations wrapped in bloom, 

And winter's snowy robe, 
We rode o'er every land and. flood 

Upon the spacious globe. 
We rode o'er nations rent with war. 

And heard their battles roar, 
We saw their armies meet in strife, 

We saw the awful waste of life, 
The fields piled high with carnage rife. 

And drenched with reeking gore. 
Saw standards reeling to and fro, 

Heard trumpets blare and bugles blow, 
Heard the drums beating foe on foe, 

Heard the victor's shouts, and groans of wo 
Of those poor wretches trampled low 

By chargers in the moor. 
These sounds and sights I saw and heard 

And terror thrill'd my frame, 
-I could not stir, I could not speak, 

Though tears ran down my pallid cheek ; 
Soon burst a flash of flame — 

So sudden and so swift 'twas sent 
Across the cloudy firmament. 

And all its robe of darkness rent, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 131 

That o'er my vision came — 

A deep impenetrable night, 
All was blank vacancy, 

I heard no sound, I saw no sight, 
I could not hear nor see. 

A sickness crept upon my heart, 
And dizzy swam my brain, 

I felt an icy chillness sweep 
Through nerve, and pulse, and vein ; 

Methough those terrors vast and fell 
Soon froze my senses o'er. 

And wrapt my mind in death-like sleep, 
And that I thought no more. 

LXXVI. 

How long in that deep trance I lay — 

That swoon so strange and fell, 
Or where that horseman carried me 

No clue have I to tell. 
At length the gradual light of life 

Came dawning o'er my soul, 
Huge, cold, death-like drops of sweat I felt 

Adown my forehead roll. 
On — on — still on — I plainly felt 

That horseman held his course — 
With more than lightning speed and more 

Thati mountain torrent's force. 
Plainly one moment o'er oceans vast 

Although I could not see, he past 
Full well I felt and knew. 

The next o'er burning drifting sands 
Where Simooms roar'd, or forest lands. 

Or dizzy heights we flew. 
"Mortal awake'' the deep voice spake, 



132 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And shook my rigid form, 
Then blood went bounding through my veins 

And soon my heart grew warm. 
"Now Mortal 'ope thine eyes and look 

Around with joy and mirth, 
Fear not for thou art back again 

Upon thy mother earth, 
Yea, and on the glorious realm 

That deigned to give thee birth. 
Since thou hast pass'd o'er every land 

O'er which proud Phoebus smiles, 
See, if there's a fairer one than this 

^Mongst continents and isles.'* 

LXXVII. 

'Twas on a flowery mountain 

That almost touch'd the skies, 
Where then I found myself, when I 

Ope'd my wandering eyes. 
Heights upon heights stupendous piled, 

Masses on masses hurl'd 
That mountain rose, with verdure smiled 

Like some bright fairy world. 
The day was beautiful and bright, 

The breeze was blowing free, ■ 
'J" O'er forest, ocean, fell, and moor, 

^ Right plain mine eye could see. 

Thoush never yet save in a dream 

Could eye of mortal man — 
See o'er one ten thousandeth part 

Of that bright shining span — 
That lay between that mountain's brow 

Where we then stood upon — 
And those vast fertile plains below — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 133 

That in the distance shone. 
But some power unseen, unknown 

Did so my sight enhance — 
I gazed as o'er a mirror small 

Across that vast expanse. 
While I gazed, then sounded in mine ear, 

"Mortal thou canst now behold, 
The fairest, mightiest realm o'er which 

The beams of Sol have roH'd. 
This is the land that shall be loved, 

And sought from age to age — 
By every race, and creed, and hue, 

By scholar, bard, and sage. 
This is the land, whose blooming charms 

All hearts of men shall win, 
This is the land of moor and fell. 

Of roaring flood and linn. 
Of waving forests, fertile fields 

Of hill-sides crown'd with vines. 
The land of corn, and wine, and fruit; 

Of rich and boundless mines. 
The land where nature ever laughfes 

]n happy ecstasy, ^ 

And what's more precious far than all — 

The land of Liberty. 
And where soe'er thy lot be cast, 

What ever be thy fate, — 
Ne'er do a deed, that shall her fame 

Sully or denigrate. 
But be like me, by day or night 

I am through woe or weal — 
Columbia's guardian knight. 

For her 1 draw the steel, 
Por her alone I war and fight, 



134: THE PR^SII>ICIDE. 

Against the world I hold her right, 
And will uphold her power and miprht 

Till time shall cease her onward flight — 
With fearless heart and leal/' 

LXXVIIT. 

He ceased then gently laid me down 

Upon the mountain's flowery crown, 
Then came a tawny cloud 

That circled all the hill, flashing 
"With lightnings grand and bright, crashing 

With thunders long and loud, 
On which his mighty charger sprung, 

And bore his giant form 
Far, far away beyond my sight 

Swift as the mountain storm. 
As he flew his shining armor 

Cast a glorious glow 
Bright as that of India's sun 

Upon the world below. 

LXXIX. 

With a chill'd and aching form, 

And forehead cold and wet — 
I started from that frightful dream, 

It was not morning yet. 
Not long I ponder'd o'er that dream, 

Nor let it trouble me, 
For soon again I fill'd my soul 

With rapture and with glee. 
For mighty draughts of blood red wine 

I pour'd down fast and free. 
They drove all gloomy thoughts away^ 

All dull monotony. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 135 

They cheer'd my body through and .through, 

Warm'd marrow, pulse aad vein, 
Soon my cold and chilly body felt 

Refreshed and strong again. 

LXXX. 

There came a knocking at my door, 

And Dame Surratt walk'd in — 
All blooming like a morning rose 

That in some well water'd garden blows, 
And every eye might win. 

She was a hearty buxom dame 
As ever trod on earth, 

As full of spirit, wit and game — 
As any yet who smiling came 

From scenes of sport and mirth. 
She was that stamp' of woman kind 

That seldom in this labd we find, 
Who wear their youthful bloom 

E'en when they grow old in years, 
And are not crown'd with hoary hairs 

When verging on the tomb. 
The very stamp for which old men 

Grow young, and warm, and frisk agen, 
And burn with guilty love. 

Fired with passions wild and keen — 
Like those old twain who once were seen 

Emerging from the grove, 
Lusting for fair Susannah's charms ; 

Burning to clasp her in their arms 
Though weak with age they strove, 

LXXXI. 
*'Ho ! John Booth ! good morning sir, I heard 



THE PR^ SIDICIDE. 

You up an hour ago, 
But thought IM not rise until I saw 

The beams of morning glow ! 
But have risen for without you 

Time slides too dull and slow." 
"Welcome madam, I never saw 

You look so well before, 
I was j ust thinking to myself 

That you were worth a score 
Of pale faced damsels of these times- 

Such as we see and meet, 
No matter where we chance to go, 

In bower, hall or street. 
Madam since I awoke I've drank 

A dozen times and more, 
But come I'll drain a health to you 

For I have ne'er before — 
Tasted such fine delicious wine 

It warms my very core. 
So here's to your hale rosy cheeks, 

And to your sunny eyes, 
And may your body ne'er grow less 

But still increase in size. 
And may Dame Fortune favor you 

For ever more likewise. 
May joy and bliss your soul attend. 

Ay, every kind of mirth, 
No matter 'where your footsteps tend 

Upon this spacious earth. 
And may you never need a friend, 

Nor ever find a foe. 
To you may all with homage bend, 

Q'he high, the proud, the low." 
^^John Booth, now pause, I know not why 



THE PRuESIDIOIDE. 137 

But o'er my soul I feel — 
Most wild and strange foreshadowings 

Of future sorrow steal. 
There's something in my breast that bids 

Me take no hand at all — 
In the foul murder of these men. 

Or it will work my fall. 
Thrice have I lull'd myself to sleep, 

And thrice have woke again. 
With the same mysterious dream 

Fix'd fast within my brain. 
Thrice have I fancied that I dwelt 

Within a house of gold, 
With all things round me far and near 

Most gladsome to behold. 
I thought that boundless wealth was mine 

My cup crown'd full of joy, 
And that in doing deeds of good 

I did my life employ. 
I dream'd, that I relieved the woes 

Of lame, and dumb and blind, 
And all the hungry came to me, 

They knew that I was kind^ 
And that I gave them food and drink 

With open heart and hand, 
That I ne'er drove them from my door, 

Nor spurn'd them from my land. 
All this I dream'd, then suddenly 

Methought that I became 
All poor, and destitute, and lone, 

Without a friend, without a home. 
With tortured mind and frame. 

Methought mine was a horrid fate, 
And that the people's wrath and hate 



THE PR^SIDICIDK. 

Upon ine fell like flame, 
And I was left all desolate 

Whelm'd o^er with scorn and shame. 
Now Booth thrice have I dreamt this dream. 

And frankly will I say 
I think it is a warning sent 

Just in a quiet way — 
To keep me from the awful sin, 

And endless infamy — 
To which that plot would lead, if I, 

In it an actor be. 
So I'll withdraw my name from it, 

And now I firmly think 
If you are bless'd with common wit 

You too from it will shrink, 
And not like some rash huntsman sit 

Near the slippery brink 
Of a deep and awful chasm, 

Who suddenly doth go 
And feel his last dying spasm 

Within the gulf below." 

LXXXII. 

The while she spake around the room 

With trembling step I trod, 
And can it be I thought the while 

That dreams descend from Grod — 
As warnings unto mortal men 

Of coming woe and harm, 
So they may prepare to shun it, 

And 'gainst the devil arm. 
It seems ours have really come 

To warn us in full time, 
Bid us keep from the awful brink 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 139 

And precipice of crime. * 
For it seems strange, yea, strange indeed 

That while this night we slept, 
Such wild visions in forms of dreams 

Should o'er our minds have crept, 
And rack'd and tortured mind and form 

As though we were awake. 
And like Cranmer bound and chain'd unto 

The red hot burning stake. 
What of that? though they be warnings 

As plain as ever were, 
They shall not claim a thought from me, 

For them I will not care. 
Nor dream nor omen of any kind 

Shall turn my heart and hand 
At all from the tremendous deed 

That I have schemed and plann'd. 
E'en if bright angels came to earth 

And took me by the arm, 
And told me that the deed would bring 

Eternal woe and harm^ 
On all my kin and friends and me 

In every shape and way, 
And we for it should ever mourn 

I would not pause nor stay, 
But work with all my strength and zeal 

As though they cheer'd me on, 
And smiling Fortune favor'd me, 

And right before me shone. 

LXXXIII. • 

Madam, I laughing thus began^ 

Although I know my cheek 
Must have look'd all pale and wan, 



THE PR^SIBICIDE. 

For feebly did I speak ; 
But I thoujiht by feigning a laugh 

My feelings I'd disguise, 
And make eeu her forget her fears, 

And all such thoughts despise. 
Madam, cast all such thoughts aside, 

Let nau;:ht your spirit fright, 
For you with mc shall safely ride 

To wealth and glory's height. 
Let no vague dreams alarm your soul 

Nor visions of the night, 
From your mind make such darkness roll — 

And keep it warm and bright; 
For ever since the world began 

Dreams have disturbed the sleep of man, 
And there's no being on the earth 

That cares one little straw 
For all their scenes of boundless mirth, 

Of sorrow or of awe. 
So Madam come and brace your nerves 

With this cool glass of wine, 
Nor let me think your spirit swerves 

From that bold plot of mine. 
Naught but success can it betide. 

That certain, sure, and clear, 
So Madam do not fret nor chide, 

Nor doubts against it rear. 
From you I would no dangers hide 

If any did appear, 
^I hold you a friend that's proved and tried, 

Whose fortune's mine I swear. 
Your task shall be an easy one, 

For it will only be — 
To give to each of us a home, 



THE PR^SIDICIDK. 141 

' T|ll^ we shall all agree 
What each one is to do, and when 

The deed is to be done, 
'Tis all you need to do, and then 

Your fortune you have won. 
You may aid me now and then 'tis true 

Just by putting in a word or two 
In favour of my schemes 

When ever here I chance to bring 
One who'll his life and fortune fling 

With mine, in this tremendous thing, 
Who well my plot esteems. 

This you need only do you know 
When ever you may see 

Occasion a fair chance doth show — 
For you to sanction me. 

You know this tongue and brain of mine 
Right often wh^-n I drink — 

Gets so o'ercome and dull with wine 
I cannot speak nor think. 

Then will be your chance if all are not 
Dead drunk upon the floor. 

For you that instant in their ears 
Some cunning speech to pour, 

That'll nerve and cheer them on, and make 
Them pant for gold and gore. 

Business may often call me forth. 
For I have much to do, 

But when I'm east, or west or north, 
I will rely on you 

To keep them all in time and tune, 
And eager for the plot 

To get in action sure and soon, 
Without a balk nor blot. 



142 THB PR^SIDICIDE. 

Do yon but strive and make each one 
With what I say agree, 

And mind, when e'er you talk with them 
Your speech be bold and free. 

Madam you're worth a dozen men 
To me in this emprise, 

And you I know will aid me through, 
I see it in your eyes 

Come do not let me beg and sue, 
Nor gaze at me so still, 

But with a firm and willing mind 
Now answer that you will. 

For it shall bring you weal not as. 
You fancy — woe and ill. 

"John Booth give me your hand^ I swear 
By all that we hold fond and dear, 

And by yon holy cross 
That hangs and glitters on the wall, 

That whether good or ill befall, 
Let it be gain or loss. 

That I will back and aid you through, 
Help you to strike and dare and do 

With willing hand and heart — 
In every shape and way I can 

Till death shall bid us part, 
I know not why, but T am fain 

To follow you, let woe and pain 
In the end, alone for us remain. 

There — let me feel that grasp again ; 
It's stalwart, frank, and warm. 

With it, and your sweet voice Vd face 
Scenes of fell, horror, and disgrace. 

Flood or fiery storm." 

LXXXIV. 
So she spake and then we parted, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 143 

Warm and gay and gladsome hearted, 
No two lovers bound in Hymen's bond 

Have e'er parted more warm and fond, 
Though we'd no thought nor wish beyond 

Those that the plot would soon reveal — 
The slaughter of those men, 

And the eternal woe or weal 
That would betide us then 

LXXXY. 

That very hour we parted 

Off to Baltimore I started, 
Full of wine and blithesome hearted, 

Soon along its streets I pass'd 
Upon the Railway Train, 

Cold blew the winds, clouds the sky o^er cast^ 
The tree tops reePd before the blast — 

And bow'd like fiends in pain, 
From the roofs unto the streets below 

Beat down the drifting sleet and snow, 
Wrapping all things the eye might meet 

In a cold and icy winding sheet ; 
Making it slippery for the feet. 

And painful for the tread, — 
Paths through the drifted piles to beat — 

That all around were spread. 
As on that day so bleak and cold 

Along the snowy wynds I stroll'd, 
I met a well known face, 

But pale and wan he look'd the while, 
He strode towards me, a feeble smile 

I on his brow could trace. 
Strong was his build, his bearing bold, 

Though scarcely twenty years had roU'd 



144 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Their summers hot and winters cold — 

O'er ocean, forest, fell and wold — 
Since he his course on earth hegan, 

And yet a braver, sterner man 
Upon this earth's diurnal span 

Amidst the battle's horrid van 
Had seldom trod I ween. 

And though his cheeks were pale and wan 
His eyes were sharp and sheen ; 

And full on mine he made them gleam 
While thus he spake to me, 

"Booth my hunger is so extreme 
I am in agony/' 

''Payne I'm about to do a thing 
That will make all the nations ring 

With the echo of my name. 
And I will give you drink and food, 

Yea, freely ease your hungry mood, 
And warmly clothe your frame, 

I'll give you wealth and all things fine, 
And crown your life with fame, 

If you will stand by me and mine 
Through horror or through shame. 

Here is a bible, swear you will 
Aye follow me through good or ill — 

With faithful heart and soul, 
I will all gnawing hunger still, 

You shall no more feel cold and chill, 
Be rack'd with want and dole/' 

He swore, he took that fatal oath 
Which bound his soul to me 

In doing it, he'd shown more sloth. 
Yea, I know well he had been loth 

Had he known the infamy 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 145 

Whicli there and then he swore to do. 

Yea, that fell heinous crime 
Had I but mention'd it to him, 

Though he was savage, firm, and grim, 
Strong as a lion in each limb, 

It would have made his senses swim 
And shook him for a time 

With feeling Jess of joy than fear, 
I did not feign to tell him there 

The least thing what my projects were, 
It had not answer'd then ; 

I watch'd him with a deviPs stare. 
And spirit not of men, 

And thus I trapped him in the snare 
One night in Surratt's den. 

LXXXVI. 

First a home I pictured unto him 

Of boundless wealth and ease, 
A palace in a shady grove 

Beside the sounding seas, 
With every thing both far and near 

The soul to charm and please. 
And how by the slaughter of one man 

He might attain all these ; 
To which he sat all still and mute, 

But when I 'gan to speak 
Of Southern woes, and Southern wrongs, 

I saw a crimson streak 
Of rising hate and an^rer flash 

Along his manly cheek, 
Bright as Sol's last ray cast upon 

A mountain's tawny peak. 
As billows swelling in a cave 



146 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

From whence they soon will burst, 
As some bright sparks that into flames 

Are being fann'd and nursed, 
I marked his rising hate and rage 

Heave high his manly breast, 
While I talked of foul wrongs the North 

Upon the South had press'd, 
I got him so that in his chair 

He could no longer rest. 
Up he sprung, in a storm of words 

Straight forth his anger burst, 
And long the North for what she'd done 

With clenched hand and teeth he cursed, 
And swore, that till his dying day 

'Gainst her he'd do his worst. 
I marked with eagle gaze how keen 

His mighty anger got 
Against the North, and for the South 's 

Unhappy mournful lot, 
Now is my time to strike methought. 

The steel seems fusing hot, 
While he is full of rage and wine 

I'll tell him of the plot. 
For now I well can judge if he 

Will fancy it or no. 
If I can't coax him in my schemes 

I'll brain him with a blow, 
He can be a trusty friend. 

Likewise a dangerous foe. 
If he refuse, it is not safe 

For me to let him go ! 
Then I bared all the plot to him, 

Uncover'd all the crime, 
And strove to make him fancy it 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 147 

Would aid the Southern clime^ 
And that it was the grandest scheme 

That ever yet was plann'd — 
To aid the Southern cause, in this 

Or any other land. 

LXXXVII. 

Silent and still he sat as though 

My voice he had not heard, 
As though he had not even deigned 

To listen to a word. 
And then he whistled for a while, 

Then humm'd some listless rhyme — 
Ahout those who murder'd Caesar 

So foul in ancient time, 
And the retribution that fell 

Upon them for the crime. 
Then sang of those who slew the king 

Of fair Mycenses' land. 
And how they died in agony 

Beneath Oresties* hand. 
*'If thou canst bring a thousand men 

As partners in thy plot — 
Men who are stalwart, brave and bold, 

Who quail and tremble not — 
When Ruin stares them in the face 

With all the horrors she can trace ; 
Nor care one little jot 

If they should end their earthly race 
With deaths of horror and disgrace, 

So their ends and aims are got. 
Then I'd not hesitate at all 

To link my fate with thine 
In this emprise, let ruin frown 



143 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

On US, or fortune shrine. 
Have we grown less inured to war ? 

And less to terror steel'd ? 
Than when we drove the Northern hosts 

From red Manassas' field ! 
Have we forgot the art of war 

Since Sumpter's cannon peal'd ? 
And those proud old battlements 

Beneath our thunders reel'd ? 
That we to such foul plots as these 

For stern revenge should yield? 
By heaven no ; I telJ thee Booth 
Thou'd best be wise in time, 
And cast forever from thy mind 

All thoughts of this dark crime. 
Though every man of them should die 

The plot has doom'd to death, 
And it should ne'er be known at all 

How ceased their mortal breath, 
It would not do thee aught of good, 

Nor help the Southern cause, 
Most likely it would ruin both, 

So thou had better i^ause. 
All those thou hast in league with thee 

Their numbers are so few — 
The half of it they could not do 

Though they were prompt and true. 
The Southern States have gone to wreck 

They never can be free, 
Nor ever crush the Northern power, 

In that we all agree. 
Not but what we have battled well, 

Done all that men could do, 
But where we have one man to fight — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE, 

The North has twenty two. 
They flock to aid her from all lands, 

E'en far beyond the seas. 
Ay, every race, and creed, and hue, 

But we have none of these 
To fight and shout for us, and wave 

Our ensign to the breeze, 
So we can^t fill our wasted ranks 

Just any time we please, 
'^^i we'll have to yield to 

Dire, stern necessity. 
And calmly wait our doom and fate 

What ever it may be." 

LXXXVIIL 

Fierce I exclaimed, by heaven Payne 

ver dreamt nor thought — 
That yjn would fear to rush where fame 

A 1 glory might be sought. 
You who have faced the battle brunt 

On red Antietam's moor, 
And braved the iron hurricane ' ' 

Hound Gettysbur^jiid roar, 
And many a corpse {ncuinber'd field 

That reek'd with human gore, 
^ uld ever shrink from danger when 

Upon the vevge of fame. 
When Fortune opens wide her arms 

And calls you by your name. 
By heaven, Payne, it cannot be, 

I will not BO believe 
That such a soul is born in you, 

It cannot so deceive, 
Belie, your dauntless outward look, 



1M> 



THE PR-ESIBICIDE. 

Ho ! ho ! I see it now. 



That little lass with sunny eyes, 

And with the smiling brow, 
And cheeks that with the rainbow vies^ 

In all its varied tints and dyes 
Has made your spirit bow 

'Neath Cupid's yoke, but cast it oJ9f — 
Nor let it gall your soul, 

You yet will blush that e'er you were 
A slave 'neath his control. 

Last night I watched you at the ball. 
And saw that lass of yours 

Had you completely 'neath her thrall, 
She'd not let you move from her at ail, 

Nor drink when e'er a toast we'd call. 
Such things ray soul abhors. 

You seem'd to dote upon her smile 
With all your heart and soul, 

But cast her from your mind, let Love 
No more your heart control. 

Long as you are a slave to Love 
Your mind will not be free. 

For Love 'b a pest to human kind 
Both high and low degrree. 

Stealthily it coils round human hearts — 
As doth the ivy twine 

Its binding hurtful folds around 
The tall and stately pine. 

Ay, it is a treacherous rock 
Amidst life's whirling stream — 

On which poor mortals often wreck 
When. all doth hopeful seem, 

And your's like all mankind's will die, 
Yea, perish as a dream. 



THB PRjESIDIOIDE. 151 

For human love however strong — 
Its life is very short, 

To one like me who's roam'd the world 
It seems an idle thought. 

I hold it frailer than the web 
That little spiders weave ; 

Tis fools who nurture up the flame — 
And o'er lost friendships grieve. 

I hold it as the simplest thing 
That any man can do — 

To build his joy on woman's love, 
Or deem her vows are true. 

Woman's love is writ in water ; 
Her vows are traced on sand, 

Her heart and soul are iar away 
E'en when she gives her hand. 

And little cares she whom she has 
To torture or to please, 

So she can gratify her wants, 
And live in sloth and ease. 

Woman must have been placed on earth 
Man's comfort to destroy, 

For ever since she had her birth 
God turn'd to woe and pain his mirth. 

His rapture, and his joy. 
Instead of bliss, toil, want, and woe. 

Must all his life employ 
She's all his recompense for woe, 

That peevish, sickening toy. 
And who slights woman's love cuts deep, 

Wakes broods of vipers fell — 
That lie coil'd up in half repose 

'Neath blooming asphodel. 
If 'tis not true of all the sex, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

It is of most I ween, 
The false and sly we often meet, 

The true are seldom seen, 
At times they shine amongst their sex 

Grand, glorious and sheen, 
Like blazing comets in the sky 

With mighty voids between. 
So follow me, and by my soul 

Before a year goes round, 
You shall be rich in gold and lands, 

Be honor'd andrenown'd. 
Why fly from Fortune's smile when forth 

To you she holds her hand ? 
Why fail to slake your thirst when by 

The flowing stream you stand ? 
Now Payne let good or ill betide — 

Your fortune's mine I swear, 
If you will aid me in the plot 

I solemnly declare — 
Your friend I'll be so long as God 

My life on earth shall spare, 
And I'll ne'er sever from your side 

In danger, woe, nor fear. 
And more, I solemnly affirm 

That every one of ye, 
Who back and aid me in the plot 

Shall ne'er be shunn'd by me. 
That is if well they do the thing 

They undertake to do, 
And act like men with sense and thought 

And courage prompt and true. 
Yea, I will aid and comfort them, 

Betide it weal or woe, 
Yea, let us stride to wealth and fame, 



THE PR.ESIDICIDE. 153 

Or to the gallows go. 
What if my numbers be so few ? 

All vast things on this earth we view, 
But from little atoms sprung and grew 

To their gigantic size. 
From little springs vast oceans flow, 

From little sparks vast fires glow, 
From acorns mighty forests grow 

Through which the whirlwind sighs, 
And little grains of dust and sand 

Make up the mountains huge and grand 
That tower to the skies ! 

And little flakes of fleecy snow 
That fall upon the mountain's brow — 

Through heat, and cold, and blast, and storm, 
The avalanche and glacier form. 

A little spark explodes the mine, 
And rocks that some vast mountain line 

Are from their bases torn. 
Whole hills by one small spark of flame 

Igniting with the powder train 
Are to destruction borne. 

And one small breath of heat give birth 
Unto the fierce Simoom, 

That sweeps along the startled earth 
Spreading fell blight and gloom. 

Small rays of light will spread Hill they 
The whole creation span. 

And one small microscopic cell 
Give birth unto a man. 

Though small the band in which I trust 
To carry out the deed, 

Yet surely as we drink this wine 
It must and will succeed 



THE PRuESIDICID E. 

The other day you know you swore 
Before both God and man, 

You'd stand by me through good or ill 
In any scheme I'd plan, 

So speak out freely now as then — 
And say you'll do the thing. 

Nor let us sit like wordy fools 
All night here arguing. 

If you intend to move at all — 
And strike at my command, 

You'll hesitate no more, but speak, 
And reach me forth your hand." 

LXXXIX. 

Straight forth he stretch'd his hand to clasp 
Mine own within his stalwart grasp, 

And thus he spake to me, 

"Yea, Booth, let good or ill betide, 

I will not sever from thy side, 
But strike and dare for thee." 

XC. 

All was accomplished, Dame Surratt 

Meanwhile the rest had done, 
For she got Harold, Atzerodt, 

Young Arnold and her son, 
To work the fiendish scheme with me, 

And help me drive it through j 
How she made them consent so soon 

To help, I never knew, 
In fact I never cared to know, 

So did not question her, 
I was to busy at that time 

To think that she might err — 



THB PRiESIDICIDE. 155 

In picking out the sort of men 

That such a plot would need, 
To make it work right surely on, 

And at all points succeed. 
But he who seeks by felon means 

To carry out his aims, 
It matters not how dark and foul 

May be the scheme he frames, 
Some vile woman of her stamp he 

Should always have in league, 
For she'll be quicker than a man 

In cunning sly intrigue. 
She'll have more wile and artifice, 

And more persuasive force. 
More skill in guile and craftiness 

However fair or coarse — 
Than all the fiends in shapes of men 

That roam upon the earth. 
She'll far more foul crime conceive, 

Nor fear to give it birth. 
Let her be fair, or foul, gay or mild, 

Sweet of temper, or rough and wild, 
Her tongue in one short hour, — 

Can coax more of the human race 
To deeds of horror and disgrace, 

Than fiendish man however base 
Could coax in thrice the time and space 

With all his strength and power. 
At least I found it so, for while 

I was persuading one 
To league with me, Mary Surratt 

Got three besides her son, 
In doing it no aid at all 

Did she from me obtain. 



156 THE PRiES I DICIDE. 

Though oft had she not aided me 

With mind and tongue so sharp and slee, 
Pd fail'd in winning Payne. 

xcr. 

Time sped away on lightning wings — 

Yet slow it pass'd I thought, 
Each hour seem'd as though it some 

New doubt and trouble brought. 
For every dreary day and night 

Each sound and sight I caught, 
Seem'd plainly whisper unto me 

The plot would come to naught, 
One constant deadly fear I had, 

Which racked me night and day, 
For it I could not eat nor sleep, 

I could not sport nor play, 
It was that some one in the plot 

Might turn traitor and betray. 
One rainy night I heard a row 

Within the street below, 
Heard the tramp of hurrying feet, 

Saw torches flash and glow, 
With fear I shook from head to heel — 

And sprang from out my bed, 
I caught my dirk and pistol up 

And to the window sped. 
I fancied straight, the plot was known. 

And they were after me, 
Yea, that some one had traitor turn'd. 

Who could the villain be ? 
Once, twice, I fanced that I heard 

Them call me by my name, 
A chill ran all my marrow through, 



THE PR^SIDICIDK. 157 

Blood curdled through my frame. 
Black icy horror smote me dumb- — 

Chill'd nerve, and pulse, and vein, 
I cocked my loaded pistol quick 

And put it to my brain. 
I cannot fight them all methought, 

And there's not one bare chance 
For me to fly, escape from them, 

Should they on me advance. 
So ere they shall take me living 

To judge me for the crime, 
And bring me to the gallows grim 

I'll end my earthly time. 
But swift the multitude pass'd on, 

Without a sign of harm 
To me or mine, and soon I ceased 

To tremble with alarm. 
They were a throng of firemen — 

With engines rushing on — 
To some huge fire that far away 

Beyond my window shone. 
I heard the fire bells toll forth 

Their sullen loud alarm, * 

Back to bed I went, glad 'twas all 

Imaginary harm. 
And strove to ease my mind with thoughts 

That all were firm and true, 
AVho in the plot were leagued with me, 

Or ought about it knew. 

XCIL 

The inauguration day arrived, 
The day that godlike man— • 
His second term as President 



158 THE PRuESIDICIDE. 

O'er this wide realm began. 
He fairly chosen for that post 

Of honor, rank, and power, 
By all his country's truest sons, 

Her manhood, pride, and flower. 
Because there was no fitter man 

To guide her in that hour 
Of tempest and of storm, within 

The nation to be found; 
They knew if he was at the helm 

All would be safe and sound. 
They knew him honest and sincere, 

That they could trust in him, 
Let the nation's future career 

Be bright, or dark, and dim. 
With him they felt as doth the throng 

Within some noble bark, 
Though angry billows bellow round, 

And night is inky dark : 
And though the furious tempest 

Shatters masts, shrouds and sail. 
They feel they need not fear the waves, 

Nof tremble at the gale, 
For they have a pilot at the helm 

Who will not shrink nor quail — 
How ever fierce the billows toss ; 

And one who ne'er oid fail 
To guide his vessel safely on 

By clift and dangerous rock, 
However dark the night, or fierce 

The waves and tempest's shock. 
I saw him on that day come forth 

And on the terrace stand, 
Swoar before the face of heaven, 



THE PK^SIDIOIDE. 159 

(I saw him raise his hand) 
That he with faithful heart and soul 

Would guide and rule the land. 
That nothing he would leave undone — 

That God vouchsafed to show — 
How he might bind the land again, 

Make bloodshed cease to flow, 
Yea, soothe the people's frantic rage, 

And heal the wounds of war 
Ease all their misery and woe 

"Within the realm afar. 
He really seem'd the while he spake — 

That with all his heart and soul — 
He longed and yearned and prayed for that 

To be the end and goaf. 
He looked serene as one whose life 

In God is rooted fast, 
A man who feareth naught but God, 

There faith securely cast. 
As some firm rocky fort that recks 

Not flood nor sieee nor storm, 
So arm'd in faith and lofty pride 

He rear'd his kingly form. 
And all of that long while he spake — 

(Methinks I see it now) 
Though men by thousands stood around — 

There was not one I trow — 
But seem'd to hear his words with joy, 

And wore a smiling brow, 
And shouted forth their hearty cheers 

Soon as he made the vow. 
I even look'd in many faces 

Of old friends of mine — 
Who once declared they hated him, 



ICO TUE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And swore by all divine 
That it should ever last 'till death, 

But there I faild to trace 
One sign of hate, or yet a sneer, 

Upon their brow or face. 
They seemd to shout as hearty cheers, 

As those who from the first 
Had praised, and bless'd that chief, and all 

His fame and glory nursed, 
And sooner would have died right out 

Than e'er his name have cursed. 
Ay, all around both far and near 

Look'd happy, bright and gay, 
Though winds blew cold and fierce and dark 

And rainy was the day. 
And that bright sunshine of the world, 

That best and noblest gift. 
Which God in loving kindness seoc — 

The soul of man to lift 
From the miry swamps of slotb, 

And make it shine and soar — 
Midst grand and noble 'things, as though 

Some god his soul upbore. 
And keep it ever glad and bless'd. 

Yea, she was smiling there, 
That being we men call woman, 

That looks 60 sweet and fair. 
She who is ever good and kind, 

And ever on the road 
To soothe her fellow creature's woes^ 

And ease life's weary load. 
Who like a soothing angel stands 

Beside the couch of woe. 
Couch of contagion, fell disease, 



THE PR-.ESIDIOIDK. 161 

Where man would fear to go, 
Yea^ she's tlie sunshine of the world, 

Before her sunny smile 
Afar grief's mirky clouds are hurl'd, 

And rapture dawns the while. 
By thousands all around they stood, 

With eyes so bright and sheen, 
And like merry laughing angels 

They gladden'd all the scene. 
They waved their snowy hands, and join'd 

In all that wild acclaim — 
That roar'd from mouths of men to greet 

That hero as he came. 
I saw I was the only one 

Midst all that mighty throng, 
Who bore towa.rds that grand President 

One thought of harm or wrong. 
Only one who could not rejoice, 

Be happy or be gay, 
And hail him as the nation's choice 

On that important day. 
I could not bear to hear the voice 

Of one I hated so, 
And was so soon to vilely slay 

By foul assassin blow. 
Afar from that gay throng I drew 

With dark and sullen soul, 
For I could scarce my fiendish thoughts 

Within my breast control. 
I felt all like the devil felt. 

The night that he was hurl'd 
Before the rage and strength of God, 

From out the blissful world, 
And flounder'd dowa amidst the rocks 



162 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And yawning gulfs of hell, 
And saw and felt the fiery hiss 

Of dragons fierce and fell. 
While afar above in heaven 

'Amongst the sainted throng — 
He heard sweet music rise and fall, 

And heard the laugh and song — 
Of pure and spotless, happy souls, 

Untouched by want or woe, 
'Mongst whom he ne'er again could mix, 

Or erer hope to go. 

XCIII. 

Oh ! had I been born in olden time 

When chivalry began, 
When naught but deeds of high renown 

Could charm the soul of man. 
When naught but honor, worth and fame, 

And deeds of manly style, 
Could ever bring on Beauty's cheek 

One warm approving smile. 
Yea, win one loving gaze from her, 

And charm her soul awhile. 
Days when any knight the gauntlet 

Unto the world might fling ; 
When any yeoman of the land 

Might ride in listed ring, 
And do strong battle hand to hand 

With peer, and prince, and king, 
Ay, meet them in the tourney's whirl, 

With heart and soul on flame — 
And win renown, or let some king 

His knightly ardor tame. 
Yea, die amidst the rush of spears, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 163 

Or win a deathless name, 
Fall or spread o'er wide Christendom . -j^ 

His everlasting yjdame. '^ ''' 

In those glorious days of old, 

No king was ever crown'd, 
But what some steel-clad champion 

Beside him would be found, 
Who for valor, strength and courtesy, 

Was o'er the world renown'd, 
And whose high office 'twas to throw 

The gauntlet on the ground — 
Ere his prince the diadem had ta'en, 

A challenge unto those 
That prince's right of sovereignty 

Dared openly oppose. 
Yea, fling a challenge to the world. 

And meet his prince's foes. 
Oh ! were those grand high offices 

Of honor and of praise, 
But fiU'd at those important times 

In these degenerate days, 
How proudly had I sat upon 

A charger black as night ; 
My body sheathed from head to heel 

In armor flashing bright. 
And strong as the torrent dashing 

Down an Andean height. 
Proudly I'd drawn my sword and thrown 

A challenge unto those, 
Who dared openly, by thought or deed, 

That President oppose. 
Who dared deny his right and claim 

To sway and rule the land. 
And I had fiercely met them in 

Stark battle hand to hand. 



164 THE PR^SIBICIDE. 

XCIY. 

Strange thoughts are these for one like me. 

Who did so fell a deed — 
Who strov* to blast his native land, 

And civil discord breed. 
Who slew his country's noblest son — 

The first in rank and power — 
And more, to do it when I did, 

At that dark trying hour. 
Oh coward, felon, false and sly! 

Oh traitor dark and fell ! 
Oh murderer of the basest kind ! 

Oh villian sprung from hell ! 
Oh sharp, and keen, and subtle knave ! 

Oh liar vile and base ! 
Oh well may the hot burning tears 

Bedew my curs'd face ! 
Well may I writhe in agony, 

And curse the fatal hour, 
I willingly became a slave 

Unto the devil's power. 
Well may I curse my awful deeds, 

And like a madman rave 
With pain of body and of mind, 

Above my yawning grave. 

xcv. 

The night arrived — that awful night 
The bloody work was done — 

At Dame Surratt's we all convened, 
For fitter place was none. 

And there we ate, laugh'd, sang and swore, 
And pour'd down floods of wine, 

Until the clock upon the wall 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 165 

Aroused this soul of min^p^ 
Prom that wild scene of revelry. 

I instantly arose, 
And told to each his fearful task, 

And how to deal his blows ; 
But e'er I ceased, thus Payne began 

With solemn voice to speak — 
The wine was flashing in his eyes, 

And flaming on his cheek : 
"Booth, I can't see what good ^twill be 

For us to do this thiug; 
Sure every one of us unto 

The gallows it will bring. 
It is as foul and awful plot ">■ 

As e'er was framed by man, 
Or e'er was conjured in the brain , ^ 

Since earth and sea began. 
Torture I'd bear like Ravaillac, 

And be as firm and brave 
As him, at the stake or ghastly rack, 

The gallows or the grave. 
I fear no woe or pain with which 

Man can torment my form, 
My soul would brave it as the rock 

The lightning and the storm. 
But 'tis a horrid thing, I swear, 

For us to sneak forth thus, 
And vilely slay and murder men 

Who never injured us." 
Fierce on his speech I broke with eyes 

Like flaming coals of fire, 
The blood went boiling through my veins. 

And shook my form with ire. 
First with curses on his fears I broke 



THE PR-(ESID I CIDE» 

Witli all my voice's strength^ 
Pour'd forth a volley of foul oaths 

A half a rood in length. 
"By heaven Payne then can it be 

You are so frail in mind ? 
Why you are unstable as water. 

Inconstant as the wind. 
'Twas but the other day you swore 

(I deem'd your vow was true) 
You would aid me heart and hand 

To drive this business through. 
Yea, help me Blay and butcher those 

Who drove the South to shame, 
Who pour'd forth armies on her soil 

And wrapt her towns in flamftv 
Who tore Iter blooming vineyards down^ 

Left them desolate and lone, 
Made her a howling wilderness 

Bare as the arid Zone, 
Made many a stately mansion 

That once looked bright and fair, 
And where once merry laughter rung 

Upon the evening air — 
A sad and lonely, ruin'd pile, 

O'er which the grasses wave, 
Its owners exiled from the land, 

Treated as the meanest slave, 
Or thrown in dungeons dark as nighty 

Damp, gloomy as the grave.^' 
'*Ay, but Booth every one that you 

This night would doom to death — 
Of this are innocent, so why 

Stop off their vital breath ? 
This bloody war had long began 



THE PR^SIDICIDB. 167 

Ere they arose to power, 
We insatiate for war, arose 

To slaughter and devour. 
Had the North not stemm'd the Southern tide, 

And down its pride have ta'en, 
Then every town the North could boast 

Had ere this in ashes lain. 
And base indeed had been those men, 

And lost to sense of shame — 
When they assumed the nation's rule, 

And unto power came. 
Had they not strove with heart and hand 

To quell rebellion in the land, 
And tramplo out its flame. 

They had been cursed for ever more 
Throughout the land, from shore to shore, 

Had they stood mute and tame,— 
Until their haughty greedy foe 

Had ta'en or ruitf'd all. 
Had split the realm, and wrapped the North 

In shame and sorrow'* pall. 
So well trimm'd armies to their aid 

As swift as light they brought — 
To crush the fierce rebellion low, 

Ay, bring it unto naught ; 
And they have said and done no more 

Than just the things they ought. 
This war arose like all that yet 

Within the world have been — 
And all that e'er will roar and ring 

Upon this Globe I ween. 
It grew through lying tongues of those 

Who in the pulpit preach, 
Whose propor business 'tis — ^good will 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And love, mongst men to teacli. 
Yea, they who feign to teach God^s laws 

Unto their fellow men, 
And scatter blessings like the dews 

That fall on field and fen. 
But instead of acting like God's 

Vicegerents on the world, 
And spreaaing peace and love 'mongst men 

They war's red flag unfurl'd. 
Long naught but war and polities 

They've from the pulpit hurl'd, 
Savage and wild the preachers shriek 

Their bloody doctrines forth — 
Unto their gaping congregations, 

Alike o'er South and North, 
Loud every day the pulpit roars 

With words, but not like those 
Christ our Saviour taught alike 

To all his friends and foes. 
Pour forth blood as water, cut down, 

Burn, massacre, and slay, 
Show no quarter to a foe. 

Is the gospel of the day. 
Through them alone this war to its 

Fell magnitude did grow, 
They are alone responsible 

For all the nation's woe. 
Instead of rushing unto arms 

And making discord ring, 
We should have heed them as the rock 

Doth the scorpion's stin^. 
Some ones are really good I trow 

Amongst the gospel crew, 
Who strive to worship God, and do 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 169 

As well as flesh can do. 
Th.mgh good or ill to them betide 

To mammon ne'er are true, 
Wlio strive to hide their neighbour's faults, 

Not point them out to view 
Who ne'er foara'd forth vile politics 

^Yilhin the bouse of God, 
Nor pray'd for war to waste the land 

Like Timour's scourging rod, 
But breathing peace and love to men 

The sacred pulpit trod. 
And these shine 'mongst the gospel crew 

All glorious and sheen, 
Like blazing comets in the sky 

With mighty voids between/' 

XCVI. 

A blood red flush came o'er my face — 

I felt it burning there, 
Nor could I speak an ample space 

For rage, surprise and care. 
First I thought, straight to rush on him 

And brain him at a blow, 
Hold no more parley with a man 

Who could desert me so. 
At length I calmly said, ^Ti.s true 

Some preachers have had much to do 
In breeding up this cruel strife, 

That had cost so much blood and life, 
For they have made the pulpits groan 

With things they should have left alone, 
Ay, every day the pulpit roars 

■ With naught but politics and wars, 
And lying tales from them ; 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

TLey preach up murder, blood and death, 
Applaud it with their fiendish breath 

Though ^twere a gospel gem. 
They wish for cities wrapped in fire, 

Cities sacked^ and horrors dire, 
. And things they should condemn. 

They have maliciously stirr'd up 
The people's hate and ire, 

Set South 'gainst North^ and North Against South 
In battle fierce and dire. 

}iut trust to me and soon as we 
Arise to rank and power, 

For by my soul I swear we will, 
If ye'll not fear to. slay and kill 

At the appointed hour ; 
Then every j^reacher in the land 

Who e'er the pulpit trod, 
Dared preach forth themes of blood and war 

Within the house of God, 
We soon will bring unto account, 

And send them to their graves, 
Or make such ranters ever be 

The meanest quarry slaves. 
But time speeds on, I must be gone, 

And ere I go know this — 
He who dares betray the plot 

Instant death cau never miss. 
Ye all may fiiil to act with me 

Through cowardice of heart, 
Yet, nathless slaughter there shall be, 

For I shall do my part. 
And if ye fail to help me drive 

The plot through thoroughly, 
If only part of it be done, 



THE Ptt^SIDICIDE. 



It will be worse for every one 
Who's leagued in it with me — 

Though if it all were done complete; 
Ay, if it fail you all will meet 

The gallows and the grave 
As sure as fate, so pause and wait 

Like fools until it be too late 
Your necks from hemp to save 

With you I hold no more debate, 
I go my part to brave, 

Curse on your coward stagnant souls, 
How ghastly ye appear. 

Ye tremble now like aspen leaves, 
Ye putrefy with fear ; 

Ye look like very statues of 
Fell Terror and Despair. 

Homer's Irus was a coward — 
But ye are worse by far, 

Gone is all your manly-hood 
Fear doth all your spirits mar. 

Ye all would cower ere the sword 
Flash'd from its shining sheath, 

Nor could ye as Irus stand till some 
Ulysses touched your teeth. 

Aha ! ye all are trembling still, 
As sheep in mountain fold 

Ye quake with fear, when suddenly 
They in their midst behold 

The howling wolves and tigers come, 
Or lions fierce and grim. 

Ay, ay, like them ye quake with fear. 
With fear your eyes grow dim. 

Quake on, fear on, poor coward fools, 



112 THE PRiESI DICIDE. 

Ye little know as yet 

How vast a bill ye owe the laws, 
But ye shall pay the debt. 

To night I do a deed that shall 
All human senses rock — 

As if the earth were rent in twain 
By some fell earthquake shock. 

I'll do it, though full well I know 
That dire, hate and wra*h, 

And Vengeance fell, like dragons grim 
Will aye pursue my path. 

And all of ye, that e'er were seen 
In company with me, 

Will then be seized, deem'd privy to 
The deed of felony. 

No utter chance there'll be for you 
To 'scape the felon's tomb, 

As true as night now shades the land — 
The gallows is your doom. 

For know, my plot is as some tree 
That is complete and whole, 

Ye arc the branches of that tree. 
And I the root and bole. 

One branch remove, it injures not 
The stable trunk, nor root, 

Awhile the sap may flow, but soon 
Springs forth another shoot. 

But let the livid lightning rend 
Its stately bole^ or wound, 

And blast the vital roots, then all 
The branches kiss the ground. 

Ho I ho ! what trembling still ? if thus 
Ye quake with mortal dread 

To hear me speak, oh, how ye'll quake, 



THE PR^SIDICIDB. 173 

When ye on the gallows tread. 

Yile worthless lumps of dirt, without 
A soul to do or dare, 

'Tis but thoughts of corporeal pain 
That makes ye quail with fear, 

And for your soul's eternal doom 
Ye have no thought nor care, 

Only death and mortal man ye dread, 
Of God ye have no fear. 

Poor lads how pale ye look, the fiends 
Of Fear must in ye dwell, 

If thus to hear me speak ye quake, 
How will ye face the fiery lake ? 

The fusiuor fla^aes of hell ? 
Ila ! what will ye then do ? when round 

Ye vast and grim and tall, 
The flames of hell as ocean's waves 

^Neath tempests leap an*d fall. 
Fear on poor terror stricken lads. 

Ay, tremble while ye may, 
Cowards your days are' numbered and soon 

Your memory '11 decay, 
Yea, from all thoughts of mortal men 

Ye soon will pass away, 
As the water'd lilies reck not of 

The drought of yesterday. 
Payne, Payne, farewell faint-hearted man, 

I lavished love on you, 
Like water pour'd upon the sand 

Beyond the reach of mortal hand 
To gather up anew. 

No mother ever loved her child 
As I have cherished you. 

It grew to passion almost wild, 



174 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Would yours were half as true 

Oh, could I forget you ever ! 
But 'twould be a vain endeavour 

To cast you from my mind, 
No power on earth could sever 

My warm soul from you, no, never, 
You there shall live unshriaed 

Through all eternity, and burn 
Within tjiis spirit's core ; 

But farewell you faint-hearted man 
Farewell forever more. 

Farewell, my love is strong as death ; 
My hatred savage as the grave : 

The coals thereof are coals of fire, 
Whose flame shall ever glow and rave/* 

XCVII. 

Burning with rage, remorse and shame, 

I darted like a flash of.flame 
From out the dusky room, 

My name I thought I heard them call 
As I departed through the hall^ 

1 paused not 'till I reached the stall, 
And found my horse and groom, 

Already saddled was my steed, 
I sprung on him with lightning speed, 

And through the mist and gloom 
I rode upon my errand fell — 

Glowing like demon hot from hell ; 
I reached the fatal place 

I glided in the Theatre, 
Upon the mirth, uproar and stir — 

I gazed a little space ; 
Oh all the place was crowded full ! 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 175 

Althougli the play was dry and dull — 
The actors just the same, 

Though poor the play, the actors rude, 
Forth from that lively multitude 

Oft hearty cheerings came. 
But what enlivened so the night, 

And gave that audience delight. 
Ay, so their rapture fann'd, 

Was he — who sat in silence there, 
The good, the noble, and sincere, 

The loved, the honor'd, and the dear, 
The ruler of the land. 

I saw — and gazed a little space 
Upon his open, candid face, 

I saw a passing smile 
Upon his noble visage play, 

As sunbeams at the close of day ; 
Great God, in fear I turn'd away — 

It seem'd its bright and kindly ray 
Dawn'd full on me the while. 

Yea, full on me it fell and beam'd 
With all its warmth serene ; 

I know not why, but oh ! it seem'd. 
His eyes on mine forever gleam'd 

With all their glowing sheen ! 
Oh, oft I turn'd my gaze away 

And stol'n-wise look'd at him ! 
But still I found their kindly ray 

Did still unswerving on me play, 
It made my senses swim. : 

A low dull sound rung in mine ear 
All the while I was standing there, 

A sullen, mournful sound, and drear, 
It smote my soul and sense with fear, 



176 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

And made me pant for breath. 
Deep, deeper came those murmurs low — 

As though a spirit wail'd in woe 
Above the coming death. 

My breast could scarce my thoughts contsin 
All hell was flashing in my brain 

And surging in my soul, 
Swift towards the outer door I sped, 

Trembling with more than mortal dread — 
And keen anxiety, my head 

Hot as a burning coal. 
And as I pass'd from out the door 

I turn'd and looked at him once more, 
Still beam'd his eye on me, 

And still that bright celestial smile 
Was beaming down on me the while 

With sunny brilliancy. 
'Sdeath ! I could not slay that man 

For all the gold on earth's broad span — 
Nor do him aught of harm — 

While his keen gaze was hx'd on me. 
He look'd so kind and fatherly 

I could not raise my arm 
To point my pistol to his head, 

It seem'd my parpose dark and dread, 
And all my rage and hate had fled, 

Before that kindly smile he shed, 
As at a mighty charm, 

Yea, awhile all fell vengeance sped, 
And left a love for him instead. 

XCVIII. 

I read strange tales long, long agone 
Of murder, crime, and woe, 



THE PR JESIDICIDE. 177 

Of valiant men and good who died 

By the assassin's blow. 
In all it seem'd those men would feel 

By instinct, swift as light, 
The presence of their mortal foe 

Ere he approach'd their sight, 
Ay, long ere they had cause to fear 

The coming woe and harm, 
Or cause to fancy they should die 

By any human arm. 
But when'er he who did the deed — 

Though it was years ahead — 
Chanced to come within their presence — 

Or when they heard his tread 
A sudden feeling wild and strange 

Would through their being go, 
Their eyes by instinct turn'd on him — 

With keener sharper glow 
Than they were ever known to shine 

On aught on earth before. 
This may but ba the phantasy. 

Or lies and nothing more, 
Of those who penn'd those thrilling tales 

Of horror, crime and gore. 
I cannot tell, but this I know, 

In haste three times I went 
Within that merry Theatre 

To slay the President; 
And every time I enter'd there — 

Just ere I reached the spot 
Where I could take a steady aim, 

Make certain that my shot — 
Would send him to his long account 

His «yes would turn on me, 



178 THE PRJESIDICIDE. 

Ay, gaze on me all kind and sheen 

Just as his face I'd see. 
And every time I met his stare — 

Smiles his visage wore, frank as e'er 
On mortal face we'll find, 

The while from head to heel I shook, 
For in his open candid look 

I read as from a seraph's book 
Good will to all mankind. 

Three times I strode with hasty pace 
That Theatre within, 

Resolved to let a bullet fly — 
And do the deed of sin, 

And three times did I retire 
Prom out that fatal place — 

With panting heart, and reeling step 
And brain, and burning face. 

Had I but mark'd a frown or sneer 
Across his features crawl 

The while I gazed upon him there 
I'd felt no fear at all 

In taking sure and steady aim, 
And doing the fell deed, 

Yea, I'd paused not but done it 
With all the devil's speed. 

Each time I gazed on him, he looked 
All kindly and sincere. 

Though he ne'er harbored thought nor wish 
But what the world might hear. 

Upon his face I failed to trace 
Aught but universal love 

To all his fellow men on earth, 
And trust in God above. 

And so I could not slay the man 
While thus he gazed on me, 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 179 

I could not find it in my heart 
To act so cruelly ; 

'Twould been as parricide done with 
A fiend's ferocity. 

XCIX. 

There was a tavern close at hand 

To which I hied with speed, 
There I poured down wine as water 

To steel me to the deed. 
Soon I felt it fire my brain, 

And with it vengeance came, 
My blood went bounding through each vein 

Like rushing liquid flame. 
For hate was in me strong as death, 

And cruel as the grave, 
Fiery as the Simooms' breaths 

That o'er Sahara rave ; 
And jealousy as fierce and fell 

As ocean's angry wave — 
That draws the ship-wreck'd seaman towards 

The Maelstrom's dread abyss, 
Where ghastly green-eyed monsters war, 

And long-tongued dragons hiss. 
And where 'midst racing roaring brine 

The bones of men are toss'd, 
The bones of ship-wrecked mariners 

Through countless ages lost. 
Headlong it spins him round and round, 

Rejoicing at his doom. 
Still narrowing at every bound. 

To that dread brim still closer wound, 
That rim of spray and spume, 

Then whirls him in that gulf profound 



180 THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

To everlasting gloom. 

While high above that sparkling foam, 
And ever roaring gurge — 

To the blasts the seagulls moan, 
And shriek his funeral dirge. 

Yea, jealousy and hate were mine 
As savage and as fell 

As Scylla and Charybdis' jaws, 
Grasping as their hideous claws, 

Insatiate as their horrid ma^vs. 
Each a grim raging hell. 

Yea, both were fierce and foul as the 
Chimsera's grisly frame 

That horrid beast that had her den 
In some dark rocky mountain glen, 

That wasted fields, and slaughter'd men, 
And belched forth fetid flame. 

And made the world with terror groan ; 
Which by Minerva's aid alone 

Bellerophon o'ercame. 
Now the deed I do methought, though 

x\ll hell stands in the way, 
Yea, naught shall turn me from the deed, 

All fears I hold at bay. 
1^11 find some other way or chance 

To deal the mortal blow. 
Instead of facing him again — 

Unto his back I'll go. 
Then up the winding stairs I went, 

That led unto the place 
Where sad the stately President, 

I gazed a little space. 
At him, through a crack in the door, 

His back was turn'd to me, 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 181 

He gazed upon the stage below, 

On actors flying to and fro 
All wild and hastily, 

And list unto the music's flow, 
So did all his company. 



But as I 'gan to ope the door 

I shook with mortal dread, 
Shook as the coward thief who goes 

At night to rob the dead, 
Who fears the corpse may yet arise 

From off the sable bier — 
And his accursed form and soul 

To shreds and atoms tear. 
I felt some unseen demon's fingers 

Passing through my hair, 
I felt his breath upon my cheek 

'Twas fetid arid air — 
Like that supposed to issue from 

Dread hell's most fnul abyss ; 
An unseen serpent coil'd around 

My arm, I heard it hiss. 
Swift, noiseless as the devil moves 

When on some errand dread, 
I drew my pistol from my breast 

And aim'd it at his head. 
Forth went the bullet through his brain 

With sad and sullen roar, 
I saw the crimson blood stream forth, 

And rush upon the floor. 
Oh then g^reat God the deed was done ! 

The blackest deed that earth — 
Has known or witnessed since the fiends 



182 THB PR^SIDICTDE. 

And devil had their birth. 
I drew my dagger from its eheath 

And leaped upon the stage, 
For I was wild and frantic then 

With demon fear and rage, 
And Terror strung each thew and nerve 

With more than human force, 
With strength that is not of this world; 

I was strong as the torrent hurl'd 
Adown its Alpine course. 

Fear joined with crime more daring owns 
By far than courage hath, 

Courage is not strong nor fierce as Fear, 
Nor half its strength has Wrath, 

And had some flame or yawning gulf, 
Or danger cross'd my path, 

I'd leapt o'er them, nor paused to think 
Of any shock nor scath ! 

So agile and so strong I felt. 
So desperate and fell, 

I would have braved the jaws of Death 
And all the fiends of hell — 

To clear me but one hour from 
That dread infernal place, 

So I might gaze no longer on 
That slaughtered Chieftain's face 

And had a thousand sturdy men 
All armed with sword and spear 

But strove to block my passage then, 
Or stop my fierce career. 

I do most verily believe 
I had not stood at bay. 

But through and through their hostile ranks 
Have hewn my gory way ; 



THE PR-flESIDICIDE. 183 

Yea, as the reaper cuts right through 
The yellow ripened grain 

And spreads it all in even swaths 
Along the harvest plain. 

Or made them fly like ocean^s spray 
When the black squall doth blow, 

Or like reeds that in the flood-time 
Spin down the whirling Po. 

My brain was red-hot liquid flame 
Like that which seethes in hell, 

When I leaped forth upon the stage 
With panther spring and yell. 

That dread moment I seem'd endowed 
With strength and terror fell, 

Crazed and nerved beyond the power 
Of human voice to tell. 

For some one I know was hired 
To out tho lights around — 

Just soon as my pistol fired, 
Ay, at the very sound, 

So outward I might safely rush 
Amidst the gloom profound. 

But while I rushed across the stage 
The place was bright as day, 

No one had «limmed the lights, it seemed 
They shone with brighter ray. 

Then through the rearward door I went 
With more than lightning's speed. 

Then down the narrow street I rushed 
And vaulted on my steed. 

All had been done as swift as thought, 
Yea, like a flash of flame 

1 flew in the place, did the deed, 
Then outward shouting came. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

Twas done so quick, so rapidly, 
So swift, so suddea, and so free, 

It even seem'd to me — 
To be a passino; flying dream, 

And not reality. 
And when I sprung -upon tlie stage 

Not one knew what it meant, 
Not e'en the ones who sat around 

The slaughtered President, 
So swift I sprung upon the stage, 

So swift from it I went. 
That all that multitude around 

Sat gaping with surprise, 
All dumb and mute they sat with 

Parted lips and straining eyes^ 
"Wrapt in such vast astonishment 

Not one of them could rise. 

CI. 

Deep, deep and fast my rowels sank 

Within my charger's foamy flank, 
O'er ditch, and fence, and clift, and meed, 

He thunder'd on with billow's speed 
"When tempests are abroad ; 

He flew as though he well could heed 
The danirerof his lord. 

With spur and rein his flight I cheer'd 
'Till morning in the sky appear'd, 

Then towards a lonely wood I steer'd 
That stood a mile before 

There, in his rapid flight I rear'd, 
And sprung to earth once more. 

But oh the p^in, that smote me then ! 
The keen and bitter pain, 



THE Pll^SIDICIDE. 185 

It sent a thrill througli all my form, 
I felt it in my brain. 

When I that fearful leap had made 
That night unto the stage — 

Although I did not feel it then 
Through fear, and haste, and rage, 

A slender bone within my leg 
Broke as I touched the floor. 

And DOW the points pierced through the skin 
A half an inch and more. 

I strove to soothe my broken limb, 
But all my toil was vain, 

And Terror mated with Despair 
Made all my pain more pain. 

Soon Harold journey'd up to me. 
Then off to Mudd's we went, 

Though at each move I made, my wound 
Pains through my body sent. 

CII. 
We went to Mudd's, for well knew he 

About the dark Conspiracy, 
We met him at his door, 

We told him of the murder grim; 
He strove to set my broken limb, 

And fix it right once more. 
But all the while he bent o'er me, 

He trembled like an aspen tree, 
And ghastly looked his brow, 

Nor has he set the bone aright, 
Perhaps he could not for his fright, 

Perhaps he knew not how. 

cm. 

On, on, I flew o'er field and fen 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

With Harold by my side, 
He swore to aid me in my flight 

And be my friend and guide, 
And lead me through these lonely swamps 

No matter what betide. 
And in this damp and lonely bield 

Just ere the night closed in — 
Just ere this driving storm with all 

Its fury did begin — 
Alone he left me here, while he 

Went forth with trembling tread — 
To seek among the sons of men 

One little piece of bread, 
To ease that craving agony 

Which at our vitals gnaws. 
For fell hunger will drive mankind 

Within the lion's jaws 
And ah, they must have captured him ! 

Or else he's gone astray, 
I know he would not willingly 

Have stay'd so long away. 
Ah me ! he must have fallen in 

The clutches of the law ; 
And that crowd of flying horsemen 

That just ere dusk I saw — 
Scouring along by jonder wood 

Perchance have taken him, 
Perchance this very night he hangs 

Upon Bome gallows grim. 
If they have captured him, oh God ! 

They soon will have me too, 
For he's not over firm of mind, 

Nor yet the bravest of mankind. 
And he may give some clue — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 187 

To them, so me they may easy find, 
And me for aye undo. 

CIV. 

Oh God ! perchance those horsemen — 

Or spies are around me now, 
Hark ! a strange moving then I heard 

Upon yon maple bough. 
Men by thousands will be after me 

And seek me far and near, 
For a price is set upon my head, 

Those who capture me alive or dead 
Will ample fortunes share. 

Harold I should not have sent for foodj 
Better to starve and die 

Alone in woe and agony, 
Than die a death of infamy 

Upon the scaffold high. 
But to no gallows shall I go, 

Lost and wretched as I am 
No such vile disgrace and shame 

My latest hour shall damn. 
My soul shall leave its mortal form 

Midst scenes of strife and battle storm ; 
While blood flows round me red and warm, 

Midst scenes of smoke and flame, 
I'll die as doth the lion die- 
When his young ground him slaughter'd he, 
Whose courage and ferocity 

No earthly force can tame. 
Who fears not when he sees his foes 

Surround his bloody den, 
Who dies while biting, tearing hard 

'Mongst dying hounds and men. 



THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

My soul shall leave its earthly frame 
As doth the huge volcano's flame 

Quit the crater with a roar, 

That sends one sudden blaze of light 

Across the land, then sinks to night 
And gloom forever more. 

CV- 

But ere I sink into the grave 

Right gladly would I know — 
If any other in the plot 

Did dare to strike a blow 
That night save me, I fain would know 

Who was murder'd on that night, 
And when the rest who leagued with me 

Have hid or ta'en their flight, 
For Harold is the only one 

That I have fix'd my eyes upon— 
Ever since that tremendous time 

I went to perpetrate the crime. 
And left them gaping one and all 

At me in Dame Surratt's old hall, 
Half drunk, and ready for a brawl. 

But they were cowards all at heart, 
Not much they did I trow, 

For when I left them there, I saw 
Fear, stamp'd upon each brow. 

If aught that night was done by them 
In shape of felony, 

'Twas Dame Surratt who urged them on, 
They would not strike for me. 

She may have spurr'd them to the deed, 
For she was sly and keen, 

Knew well the way to lead astray 
Such wretches low and mean. 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 189 

CVI. 

Away, away with thoughts like these, 

Why think of dogs like them ? 
They are not worth}-- e'en to touch 

The devil's garment hem, 
Not one of them shall die like me, * 

They are too vile and low — ^^ 

And far too cowardly to fall J^ 

With face unto their foe. "^ 
They'll all upon the gallows a^ng — 

The scorn of human kind, 
The hate, derision, and contempt, 

Of e'en the dark in mind. 
But my fell earthly race shall end, 

My spirit from its body wend 
Midst scenes of blood and fire. 

Amidst the clash and crash of steel. 
And combat fierce and dire. 

My hands are on my carbine now. 
My dagger 'tween my teeth, 

And they who dare to venture near, 
A bullet through each heart shall tear, 

Be each my dagger's sheath. 
I'll die as doth befit the slayer 

Of so great a man. 
Though sorely now I rue the deed 

As any mortal can. 
And though I acted cowardly 

And low and mean, and vile, 
By sneaking up behind the man 

And killing in that style, 
Such cowardice shall not disgrace 

My latest hour on earth, 
Ah no ! I shall not so besmirch 



THE PRiESIDICI DE. 

The land tliafc gave me birth ! 
His dark, untimely, cruel death 

The world shall ever mourn, 
And bards shall sing his worth and fame 

To ages yet unborn. 
And they shall tell of him who did 

The dark atrocious crime^ 
Through it my name shall ever live 

Through all revolving time. 
Good men and brave may be forgot, 

Oblivion aye hide the spot 
Their dust and fame are nursed, 

But while men breathe on earth they'll hear 
With shudders of revenge and fear 

Of me, the fell, accurs'd. 
This generation of mankind 

May seek to hide my name^ 
The next that comes will seek to know 

Who dealt the fierce tremendous blow, 
And wrought the deed of shame. 

My name like Eratostratus — 
Though wrapt in blood and crime, 

Shall live in spite of man and fiend 
Through all the tide of time. 

CVII, 

'Sdeath ! how fierce the lightnings flash, 

How dread the thunders boom — 
The world, a moment's light they give, 

Then tumult and dence gloom. 
The tempests howl, the torrents roar 

In headlong fury by, 
Oh there is madness on the earth 1 

And anger in the sky. 



THE PRiES IDI CIDE. 191 

And there is madness in my soul, 

And horror in my mind, 
Sorrow, Remorse, and grim Despair, 

All visit me combined. 
As lightning bolts my aching soul 

They blast, and wound, and tear. 
Yea, fierce lightning bolts self forged 

In intramundane air. 
Ah ! pain and fear and every ill 

Hold form and soul in thrall, 
Yea, every ill that e'er was born 

On this terrestrial ball — 
Since first it sprung in airy space 

'Midst creation's mighty plan — 
And there before the sun's bright disk 

Its revolving course began, 
'Tis by the sun's magnetic force 

This world in space is held, 
By it, earth lives in air, by it 

From other worlds repeld. 
And if that empyreal sphere 

Should wither from the shy — 
Earth would bolt through space-and in dark 

Primeval chaos die. 
So by Faith alone the spirit lives 

And hopes and trusts in God, 
If not for Faith dark man's soul would be 

In its corporeal clod. 
Faith like the sun that holds and guides 

And keeps this world aright — 
Illumes and cheers the soul of man — 

Else all were hell and night. 
Earth weighed in God's vast universe 

But one mere atom lies — 



THE PR^SIDICIDE. 

As one of its small grains of sand 

Placed in a scale with a world more grand 
And billion times earth's size 

So every deathless soul of man 
Though in itsself a world, and 'gan 

Ere earth's sepulchral clod — 
Is but a mere sli^'^ht atom of 

The all pervading God. 
He is the centre source and life 

Of every earth bound soul — 
All are but mere parts of Hira, 

He's the vast stupendous whole. 
All atoms, souls, suns, stars, and worlds 

Are His to sway and rule, 
He's all wise, benign, beneficent. 

And man is but a fool. 
Shall He who from nothing formed 

All vast ethereal globes — 
Fiil'd them with life, and deck'd them all 

With grand and glowing robes ! 
Not cleanse a deathless soul from crime ! 

Yea, make it pure again — 
As first it sprung from His own hand 

All free from every stain ? 
Yea Him to whom no mortal yet 

Has ever call'd in vain ? 

CVIII. 

Blow, blow ye winds forever blow 

O'er forest, hill and plain, 
Ay, howl and groan like angry fiends 

In everlasting pain. 
And flash ye streams of lightning flash, 

And roll ye thunders roll, 



THE PRiESIDIGIDE. 193 

For nothing else this awful night 

Can cheer my madden'd soul. 
All my blood like heated lava 

Is rushing through each vein, 
And a fell volcano's fire 

Is pent within my brain. 
Ten thousand dreadful forms come round — 

They beckon me away, 
"%, fly, and hide thyself in helF' 

Each spectre seems to say. 
A long, dark, sad funeral train 

Aye moves before my eye and brain, 
Strange sounds ring in mine ear, 

I see a corpse all pale and white, 
Whose's eyes still open glare 

In wrath and rage at me, Oh God ! — 
I cannot stand their stare ! 

Ah ! who art thou beside me now ! 
With sunken cheeks and ghastly brow? 

And thin and frightful form ? 
Art tbou Death to whom mortals bow 

In war, peace, shine and storm ? 
Who summons to another sphere 

The children of this earth ? 
Who o'er men and beasts holds sway 

From hour of their birth ? 
If thou art he whom all men fear. 

Then bid this mortal dark and drear, 
Rise and mount his funeral bier. 

Ah, Death I welcome thee ! 
For here I would no longer live, 

All hell no deeper woes can give 
Than my past agony. 

Why leave a wretched cripple here 



194 THE PRiESIDICIDE. 

Rack'd with Hunger, Want, and Woe ? 

Fell Horror, Terror, and Despair ? 
Mated witli Anguish dark and drear ? 

Ah, take me forth ! I care not where 
With thee I have to go, 

Take me forth thou dreadful power, 
Let this be mj dying hour. 

Come to a lost and maddened soul, 
That pants, that ^struggles for repose, 

Ah I bid me haste and reach the goal 
Where earthly pains and sorrows close ! 

Aha! the last dim morn has come, — 
My flame of life burns feebly now I 

Death, come Death, all my pains benumb. 
And smooth my cold and dewy brow. 

My sands of life are almost run. 
And grain by grain I feel them go ; 

Let me not view yon rising sun, 
'Twould treble all my ghastly woe ! 

How dim all things around me grow ! 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 



A Ballad for the Soldier. 



BY J. DUNBAR HYLTON. 



I. 

Now all ye good men of the Union, 

With loyal hearts and brave, 
Who still stand by the gay old flag 

That still o'er ye doth wave. 
All ye who for your country's right, 

And for her Liberty, 
Would meet the strongest foe that breathes, 

And die or still be free. 
Come and make a circle round me, 

A story I would tell, 
How we at dread Antietam fought. 

How gallantly we fell. 
For I am a war-worn soldier 

All seamed with grisly scars, 
A wreck tossed on the shore of peace . 

By raging surge of wars, 
I've told you how on many a field 

AVe've nobly fought and bled. 
How hot, and grim, with blood and dust 

We've stalked o'er fields of dead. 
I've told you how on bank and stream 

In seasons warm and cold, 
Northern hosts and Southern legions 

Joined in their battles bold, 
^Till the dark cold waves were flowing 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

Red, thick and warm with blood, 
Ha, d.uiidess eons of North and South- 
How we've choked the crimson flood i 
I've told you of the fame and glory 

That gleamed so bright and pure 
Upon the crests of those who fell 

On Shilo's cumbered moor. 
But now your eyes shall open wide 

As at a trumpet's call^ 
I'll tell you of the fellest fight, 

And sternest deed of all. 
Fni a war-worn soldier, iu whom 

Stern woe with triumpli blends ; 
For I've sought 'mongst the wasted ranks: 

And missed my dearest friends. 
They all are hushed in death's repose^ 

^Midst streams of clotted gore, 
For them, Kuia lay behind us, 

And Yengeance stalked before. 
For they were martyrs^ those who died 

Amidst the smoke and flame — 
And ghastly thuuders of the fray, 

'Twas for Country's trust and fame; 
And honored through all coming time; 

Shall be each hero's name. 
All 3'e who live in quiet homes 

In luxury and ease; 
Who never faced the front of war 

On land or rolling seas ; 
Little ye think how terribly 

That day the cannon roar'^d, 
How on the ranks of horse and foot 

The shot and shell was pour'd. 
Little ye think how fiercely 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

That day the war-horus peal'd, 
How iu the reeking swamps of gore 

The furious squadron's reel'd ; 
How thick the ghastly limbs of men 

\Yere scattered o'er the field. 
There was no heart in either host, 

But was to pity steel'd, 
And well did the chiefs of either host 

That day their armies wield. 
For all that skill or force could do 

To win the ghastly fray, 
By gallant hee and braA^e McClellan 
Was done that bloody day. 
II. 
Oh ! fell and goryest battle 

Of these sad modern times,- 
Far surpassing Shilo dread, 
And Battle of the Pines. 
How thick the dead lay scattered 

Along the mountain side. 
How fast adown the gullies ran 

The dark red crimson tide, 
Until Antietam's rolling flood 
With human gore was dyed. 
For columns with columns mingled fast 

'iNIid storms of grape and shell 
And lost forever more, in one 
Promiscuous carnage fell. 
ITT. 
Oh! well can I recall the scene 
That dark and starless uight, 
When by ten thousands round we lay 
Awaiting for the fiaht. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

There from all climes beneath the sun 

Were warriors fierce and strong, 
Ay, men from every distant isle 

Had gathered in that throng. 
But chiefly from our own dear land 

The gallant squadrons came, 
To crush the raging civil war, 

And trample out its flame. 
They came from where Atlantic billows 

Thunder, leai3 and roar, 
From where the Pacific's waters 

Lave the proud rocky shore. 
They came from all the States that boast 

The red, the white and blue, 
All those who to the good old flag, 

Bear loyal hearts and true. 
And far away o'er hill and valley 

The Southern host was spread. 
And with their countless camp fires 

The cloudy sky was red. 

lY. 
Right glad were we when o'er the liloom 

The rays of morning came^ 
And saw Aurora robe in light 

The hills^ and stream and plain. 
Then beat of drums and cannons roar 

The grave-like stillness broke, 
And with one start, and with one shout, 

The Northern army woke. 
And far away to left and right 

Around us on the plain, 
So dazzling shone bayonet, sword and lance. 

The armies seemed on flame. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 199 

And far away o'er Soutliern hills 

\yell could the Northmen spy 
Long moving clouds of swarthy dust 

Loom up along the sky. 
And nearer still, and nearer, 

We 5aw the black whirlwind come, 
With loud, glorious trumpet clang, 

And stormy roll of drum. 
But little time had we to gaze, 
On the storm, or Aurora's rays. 

And mark her beams on armor shine, 

For we were ordered into line. 
Right swift each leader drew his brand 

While eyes like lightnings glow, 
And shouted forth his stern command — 

"Advance upon the foe." 

V, 

Now, with banners spread and clamors dread, 
Either host to gory slaughter sped ; 
Like a mighty torrent, broad and strong, 
The Northern army roll'd along 

With glorious trumpet peal. 
Like the roar of the sullen deep, 
When o'er her howling tempests sweep. 
And on the shores her billoAVs leap, 
'Till huge rocks groan and reel. 
And thunders the while their level keep 

With the fell storm below ', 
So with awful tumult vast and deep, 
Adown the mountains dark and steep 

Rushed on the foaming foe, 
By thousands, horse and foot, they came, 
With brandished steel and hearts on flame, 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

To tlie gKastly work of deatli; 
And their loud savage wild acclaim, 
E'eu drowu'd the trumpet's breath. 

VI. 

The furious armies met like clouds, 

Driven by contending storms, 
^A^hea they come surcharged with thunder, 

And lightnings robe their forms. 
'Columns of smoke hid plain and hill, 

No eye the sun could scan, 
And like rivers beneath their feet 

The gory torrents ran 
But onward, onward, still they rushed, 

And wilder grew the din 
Of hissing shot and bursting shell, 

And roaring culverin. 
And awful was the clash of steel, 
And fierce the war-horns peal'd, 
And ftist in hellish tumult 

To and fro the armies reel'd. 
As before contending tempests 
Is toss'd the howling ocean, 
80 to and fi'o the battle rock'd 

In dire, fierce commotion. 
And thicker still, and thicker, 

Came down the iron rain, 
Screaming, bursting, down it came. 

And hid the field with slain. 
And fiist o'er their slaughter'd comrades 

The hinder columns flow'd, 
'Mid sulphurous gloom they rushed, 

8ave when the mortars glow'd. 
And louder than the cannons' roar. 



THE BATTLE UF ANTIETA3f. 201 

And horrid burst of shell, 
And armor's clang and horses' tramp 
Was heard the dying yell. 

vii. 

As down the mountains bleak and hoar 
Impetuous torrents leap and roar, 
Increased by a thousand rushing rills^ 
They thunder down the echoing hills 
To the vales below, then o'er the plain 
Rush foaming to the raging main, 
So battalion on battalion came, 

With promiscuous sound 
Still rushing 'mid the awful gloom 

Of that affray profound. 
As when fell Jloreas blows and brings 
The winter on his icy wings ; 
Fast from the clouds the sheets of snow 
Descend, and hide the fields below, 
So thick, so fast the batteries round 
Pour'd shot and shell with horrid sound. 
So thick were driven o'er the crowds,. 
The screeching, burning iron clouds, 
And as autumnal leaves are strew'd 
Before the tempest wild and rude, , 

As snow beside the mountain dun 
Is wasted by the summer sun, 
So thick, so fast the squadrons fell 

Before each fatal roar, 
And vv'hole ranks were hurl'd to atom* 

Amid a sea of gore, 

VIIT. 

But deeper still the combat grew 
Along the hill and vale ; 



202 THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

And faster still the showers flew 

Of burning iron hii1fe-«,tJ^L^ 
Our ranks were backward driven 

Before the Southern tide, 
Like chaff before the winds of heaven 

We flew on every side. 
As ocean's foaming waves are whirl'd 

From the strong swarthy coast, 
So we were broken, backward hurl'd 

Before the Southern host. 
Like wolves upon a flying fold 

The foes came howling on ; 
Ay, hard upon our broken rear 

The Souhtern bayonet shone. 
*'A11, alas, is lost," each soldier said, 

And shrieking, panting flew, 
As in one seething mass we fled. 

The horrors rose anew. 
Beneath the strong the weak were thrown. 

Bruised by their comrades' tiead, 
And far along the field was strown 

With dying and with dead. 

IX. 

It is a dread and awful hour 

When all by dust conceal'd. 
Two armies meet to try their power 

On fair and open field. 
It is a dreadful thing to hear. 

The first dread vshock of war; 
E'en earth doth seem to groan with fear, 

And rock beneath the jar. 
Like tempests on the armies go, 

And burn with one desire, 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 203 

Though cannon roar and mortars Dour 

Their blast of steej^wnd fire; 
The horses neigh, thelrumpets bray, 

And rolls the stormy drum; 
While with banners spread to ghastly death, 

The frantic thousands come. 
Oft doth the soldier hear the groan, 

And sighs, as 'neath his heel, 
He treads some comrade of his own, 

Pierced by the foeman's steel 
All, all around is carnage drear, 

Is horror and dismay. 
And there's a dim, infernal glare. 

And dire yells in upper air, 
As though the hosts of hell were there, 

AVaging a ghastly fray. 

X. 

Ay, awful is the hour of tight, 

And terrible to see, 
Yet still more awful is the flight, 

Greater far the horrors be 
When from a ruthless victor foe, 

The van([ulshed thousands fly : 
All crowded in a mass they go, 

And groan, and bleed and die. 
Then not a hand is stretched to save, 
One toil-worn mortal from the grave, 

For all around is fear. 
Like the frail reed borne down the wave, 
That rushes to a darksome cave. 

Is each poor mortal ihere. 
In vain for mercy tliousands call. 
As on the gory earth they fall. 



104 THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

And there all trampled lie. 
In vain the thousands shriek for aid, 
For them no comrade's step is stay'd^ 

To succor is to die. 
Terror and discord lead the van, 

And ruin stalks behind. 
And on their rear their cause of fear, 

Comes like a burning wind, 
Yes, let the shock of battle come, 

With all its clash of steel ; 
Ay, sound the fife, and beat the drum^ 

Let all the war-horns peal ; 
Let not a cannon's mouth be dumb, 

And swift their strength reveal. 
Let all the noise of battle rise, 

And blend in one great roar, 
And thicker far than driving hail 

Let bullets round us pour • 
And we are safer ^mid the storm. 

However stern the fight. 
Than 'mid the wild terrors that deform 

Such an unearthly flight. 

XL 

Onward we went in dreadful race, 

By all the foes pursued ; 
Onward swept the flight and chase, 

Through glen and mountain wood,- 
Till 'mid the host, a voice was heard — 

A voice as trumpet loud — 
And on a stec 1 a form was seen, 

High o'er the flying crowd. 
No voice, among the sons cf men, 

But his could rtop th:;t flight; 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAI. 205 

Xike magic through the ranks it ran. 

Through that wild ghastly sight. 
*'HoI back, 3-e cowards! back !" he cried; 

"What, flying from the foe 
AVhile on the verge of victory ? 

Turn, and smite them low ! 
Back, for the land that gave you birth, 

Your children and your wives, 
And those dear ones who suckled ye, 

And give away your lives ! 
Take no quarter, and give none; 

Kush like a burning wind ; 
Terror shall fly before your path 

And ruin stalk behind ! 
Let the winds that pass o'er your graves 

Tell other climes and yoau : 
Freemen ye lived and died — and love 

Shall wet your tomb with tears !" 
From man to man, from rank to rank, 

His words like lightning flew ; 
They nerved the meanest coward's soul 

And woke the war anew. 
McClellan comes! McClellan comes! 

The army shouted round. 
And far away, the rocky hills 
Keturned the joyous sound. 
Then like a fell destroying storm, 

Back on the foes we bore. 
And gave three cheers, which stunn'd Lee's ears, 

And drown'd the battle's roar. 
Like a meteor, from rank to rank. 

Our gallant leader flew ; 
"Where'er the dauntless hero went 
llight fierce the onslaught grew. 
Where'er the hottest battle raced, 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

The gariant chief was seen, 
His visage pale as is the corpse, 

His eyes as hghtning sheen, 
His words fell like the dews of heaven 

Upon a parching laud ; 
They urged the strong to deathless deeds, 

And nerved the weakest hand ; 
On ! gallant Kicketts. On ! he cried, 

And take yon mountain ridge; 
And Burnsicle — fight on, fight on, 

And keep the gory Bridge, 
At every order that he gave, 

At every burning word 
From all his fighting host around, 

A mighty shout was heard. 

XIT. 

Then loudly fierce Magruder swore. 

And firey Jackson storni'd. 
And on like devils to the fray 

The Southern cohorts swarmM. 
in their midst, on a sn:.w-white steed. 

Their sturdy Lee was seen ; 
His voice was like the rising gale 

That stirs the forest green. 
And like a flashing meteor. 

That shines through night afar. 
His flaming sword was waving higli, 

Amid the elcud of war. 
His soul was a lion clad with wings; 

He drank joy in with the hreath 
Of fierce, tumultuous battle. 

And the gloomy dust of death. 
"On ! on ! to glory, or the t(unb !" 

He cried — " Ye true and brave; 



TUE BATTLP: of ANTIETAM, 207 

On, for Liberty and Laws, 

Or fill a freeman's grave. 
Press on ! press on ! till every man 

Lies piled amidst the slaughter. 
And none are left to bury us, 

Save mother, wife or daughter." 
From band to band that stark command, 

Like forked lightning passed ; 
And then lance, and bayonet, and sword, 

Rushed on in numbers vast. 
And then a mighty shout arouse 

From the Southern multitude, 
Like the noise of fell blasts that drive 

Through some wild ancient wood. 
Oil Hill and Longstreet roaring flew, 

^3Iid shrouds of smoke and flame, 
And Avith ten thousand snorting steeds^ 

Fierce Stuart dashed amain. 
Though on they came like a heaving flood, 

Proudly we met the shock ; 
Aye. still vv'ith bristling front we stood, 

As solid .'IS a rock. 
]?ut faster s^ill tlie moitars round 

j^elchcil forth their awfnl tbuiider ; 
Peal on ],eal they crashing roarVl, 
•'Till e.irth .seeni'd rent asunder. 
And thick, like burning, driving clouds, 

The bullets sped llirough air ; 
Prom host to host they hissing flew 

Upon their, dread career. 
The hoarded thunders of all time, 

Pealing old Earth's decay, 
Will but a low, faint whisper be 

To the roaring of that fray. 



208 THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

XIII. 

Now to tlie riglit of the Southern might, 

Before a narrow pass, 
A strong and mighty battery stood — 

Long rows of hollow brass ; 
Tier upon tier, tube behind tube, 

The ghastly entrance kept 
Of that dark yale^ and in their Avombs 

A thousand thunders slept 
But we paused not here our columns, 

To catch a moment's breath • 
Though the road before was leading o'er 

To the grisly jaws of death. 
Por naught could daunt the Xorthern soul ! 

Like a river red and large, 
Upon that Southei'n battery 

We made a furious charge. 
Onward we rushed to take the mound, 

Though all its cannon roar'd. 
And red hot iron on our ranks 

Down like a deluge pour'd. 
Still pressing onward to the mound 

The Northern squadrons came, 
Through Wasting storms of shot and shell. 

And through sulphurous flame. 
Aye. in" vain the mortars })our'd 

Their floods of steel and fire ; 
Still, onward to the mound we drew,, 

Nigher still, and niglier. 
Until slaughter'd battalions fill'd 

The ghastly trenches round, 
And bore their stern avengers o'er 

To the haJed Southern mound ; 
Then hand to hand, in mortal fray. 



THE BATTLE OF ANTILTAM. 209 

The Northmen met their foes, 
Blood streamed for blood, death came for death, 

And blows were heap'd on blows. 
Fast heads, trunks, and quivering limbs. 

Splashed in the crimson tide, 
And many a strong* soldier fell 

His foeman's corse beside. 

XIV. 

As the swollen flood of Nile, 

That overflows its banks, 
So, o'er the bristling battlement, 

Poured in the Northern ranks; 
And fast besiegers and besieged 

Were mingling in a mass, 
"VYhen in fell rout the Southern bands 

Went flying tip the pass. 
East up the gloomy winding vale 

Their horrid flight they poured, 
While at their heels the Northmen flew. 

With gory, dripping sword. 
But as we flew, alas I we drew 

Within the jaws of hell, 
For the foes had batteries on hills 

That overlooked the dell, 
And suddenly upon us came 

An awful storm of shell, 
Such a roar and blaze of lightning 

From ofl" those mountains came, 
They seem'd like fell volcanos wrapt 

In one stupendous flame. 
It seemed, as though the demons 

ITiid risen aga"nst us then, 
And brought the guns of hell to bear 



210 THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAxM. 

Upon the march of men. 
Upon us fast a hundred guns 

Belched forth their iron rain ; 
The vale was dyed with human gore, 

And piled with heaps of slain. 
Born away on the battle cloud 

That path their spirits trod, 
That dark and awful path that leads 

To the judgement-seat of God. 
Unceasing the fell vollies roared, 

And fast the iron flew, 
'Till night o'er that unearthly scene 

Her sable mantle threw. 
O'er the world a sullen darkness fell. 

Dread chaos all conceal'd, 
Darkness horrible as all hell 

Hid sky, and hill, and field. 

XV. 

And never night so welcome yet 

E'er came to mortal man, 
Or came to hide a battle field 

Since this vast world began. 
For, from sunrise until sunset, 

That battle had not ceased, 
Nor had a warrior paused to rest, 

Save those whom death released 
Of that fierce toil, and those, alas I 

Lay round in numbers vast, 
Mountains of slain were heaped around 

Ail gory and aghast. 
There piled in conmion carnage lie. 

Those whom mothers long shall mourn, 
Those for whom orphans long shall grieve, 



THE BATTLE OE ANTIETAM. 211 

And widows weep forlorn. 
Floating in blood, with slaugliter'd steeds, 

They cumber all the ground, 
Or lie in the roaring waters, 

Of red Antietam drown'd. 
Yes, many a home within the land, 

Some cherished one has there — 
Whose form no more again they'll see, / 

Nor voice again they'll hear. 
Nor can the news of victory, 

One little hour beguile 
The grief they bear, for those who sleep 

On Antietam's carnage pile. 

XYI. 

Now comrades has a soldier told, 

In numbers weak and slow, 
How we at dread Antietam fought. 

To cru.-ih rebellion low. 
Had I a n\use like that of yore 

Who sung of Hector's fiill, 
Then would I wake a tune and take, 

And. hold your hearts in thrall. 
Then w^ould I tell how Rickett s storm'd. 

And won the mountain ridge, 
And how intrepid Burnside fought, 

And kept the gory bridge. 
Tell how they in triumph rear'd the flag. 

The flag that oft had stood, 
Waving o'er piles of foemen dead. 

And fields of streaming blood. 
Like a fire my song should roar. 

Through the wild stubborn fray, 
And paint McClellan 'njidst the scenes 



212 ) MY ELLENORJC- 

Of horror and disraay. 
How lie led each dh-e assault 

And roll'd the war along 
Should be my theme ; all his cannoii^ 

Thundering in my song. 
Amidst the mighty works of war, 

I'd paint the hero then 
Such as he was ; a being shining 

High o'er all other men ; 
In the fierce battle's foremost line, 

Should the bold hero stand, 
Wrath and destruction in his look, 

And lightning in his hand ; 
Like Homer's Achilles when he rose 

To meet the Trojan ire, 
And rushed amidst ten thousand foes^ 

And made all Troy retire. 



]\rY ELLENORK 



The rain pours down, the sky is dark,, 
Save when the lightnings flash, 

The thunders roll, the billows stark, 

Oft upon our plunging bark, 
Come with a mighty dash. 

My comrades all have gone to sleep,. 

And I am left alone, 
To guide her through the raging deep. 



MY ELLENORE. 213 

And brave the storms that round nic sweep 
With sad and sullen moan. 

But one thing here, amid this storm, 

Has force to soothe my care. 
Hath power to keep my spirit warm. 
And cheer for aye my weary form, 

Upon a night so drear. 

^Tis thoughts of thee, thou cherislied one, 

My gentle Ellenore; 
God of the tender, frail and lone, 
To whom no prayer is breathed unknown, 

Oh ! guard her evermore^ 

Oh ! keep Thou her from every ill 

That doth beset mankind : 
Almighty Father, at whose will. 
The ocean tosses or lies still, 

Keep her, body, soul and mind. 

Oh I Thou who formed the trembling land, 

And made the roaring tea, 
Within whose strong eternal hand, 
This world is as a grain of sand, 

Who through all time shall be, 

Teach her, through all her joy or pain, 

Thou'rt (lod ot all below; 
And from the distant land or main, 
Can'st bring the wanderer home .'i!.rain, 

And soothe his deepest woe. 



214 TO lANTHE. 

Teach her to trust in Thee alone — 

As through life's vale of tears 
She journey's on ; let no harsh tone, 
No angry look, disturb or gloom 

The Sabbath of her years. 

Father of all, at whose command, 

Empires fall or rise, 
Who hold'st the whirlwind in Thy hand, 
Or bids it waste a trembling land, 

Unknown to whom nought dies — 

This night while she kneels before Thy throne. 

May she by Thee be blest ; 
And when upon her pillow lone 
Her weary head to sleep hath gone 

Still gladden Thou her rest. 

By day, by night, in joy or pain. 

Whate'er of woe betide, 
And whether, in this stormy main 
I sleep, or journey home again, 

God shield my promised bride. 



TO TANTHE. 



And so at last the die is east. 
And you and 1 must sever — 

With all my henrt, for my own part, 
I hope 'twill be forever. 



TO lANTHE. 215 

You need not cry, nor heave a sigh, 

For human love is fick'e, 
And yours and mine, thou'^h once divine, 

Has proved like glass as brittle. 

Why shed a tear that's not sincere ? 

Ours are no more beguiling ; 
They do not start from the inward heart, 

So we shall part a smiling. 



Since his race began, too frail was man 
For constant love and wooing, 

They will deceive all who believe 
So has man been ever doinir. 



Aye, through all time, in every cliinc. 
They've been deceivers ever; 

One hand on gold and one on mold : 
To one thing constant never. 



And women, too, have been untruej 
To those who loved tliem dearly^ 

Many a wife has saddened life, 
Aye, made it dull and dreary. 

And since true love doth seldom moTe 
Within this world of ours, 

We'er not the first to break and burst 
The vows of bygone lu;uis. 



216 POETS 



So let -us part witli gladsome heart, 
All grief and auguisli smother ; 

Your love is dead, and mine has fled, 
The love we bore each other. 



POETS. 



Poets are a wild, mysterious race, 

The world is all their own ; 
They throw a darkness o'er the brightest place. 

And make f\iir the drear and lone ; 
The'r p;tths are on the bellowing ocean, 

And by the mountain's side. 
They give to dead things strength, life and motion, 

Where others vainly tried. 
'Tis theirs the power to soothe the saddest soul,- 

And make it smile at woe ; 
And overjoy a mirky cloud to roll. 

Making tears of pity flow. 
'Tis theirs the power to raise the grovelling mind 

To grand and noble things. 
Waft it to virtue's realm, pure, refined, 

As though on angel's wrings 
Bv them, on glory's glowing deathless page. 

The warrior lives enshrined, 
His sorrows and his joys, from age to age^ 

Are sun-j; to human kind. 
They are a mighty and a godlike race. 

And mortals own their power ; 
Their fame and glory outlive time and place 

And eiirth's loftiest tower. 
They are a wandering and a wayward throng, 

Careless of their weal or woes. 



PHTHISIS 217 

Their fancy with the whirlwind sweeps along, 

Or with the lightning glows. 
'Tis said the ravens mourn when the war-clad 

Conqueror yields his breath; 
But all nui e and living things on earth are sad 

And mourn the Poet's death. 



PHTHISIS. 



There's a dread and dire disease — 

A scourge amongst the race of clay j 
It rides on* every blast and breeze ; 

O'er all the world it holds its sway. 
A disease that makes sleep and rest 

Unrefreshing to the human frame 3 
That makes it ever feel oppressed 

With some dull sense it cannot name ; 
Which paints with transient bloom the cheekj?, 

A beautiful,^ yet morbid glow — 
Like those red, unnatural streaks, 

The perished leaves of Autumn show ; 
And gives, at times, the sunken eye 

Most strange, unearthly gleams of light, 
And spreads pallor o'er the forehead high, 

Like the corpse's hue of ghastly white ; 
But cheerful leaves the mind — no pall 

Dims or clouds its horizon fair ; 
It, ayo, culls fresh rays of hope from all 

The ghastly causes of despair- 



218 PHTHISIS. 

A dread disease, that so prepares 

Its victim, as it were, for death ; 
Its mortal parts of grossness clears, 

Yet thick and heavy makes the breath 5 
And round familiar features throws 

Aspects and shades refined and strange — 
Dread, unearthly signs, marks, forms, shows, 

And tokens of the coming change, 
A dread disease, whose strong embrace 

Though twined so tenderly at first — 
Scarce a victim on the earth's broad face 

Can from its fatal bondage burst. " 
A dread disease, in which the war 

Between the body and the soul 
Is so gradual, quiet, sure, 

And solemn in its onward roll, 
Th.at day by day, and grain by grain, 

The mortal atoms waste away , 
So that the soul grows light and fain 

To feel its lightening load decay ; 

d, feeling immortality 

At hand, with all its glory rife, 
Feels a wild thrill of ecstasy — 
Deems it a now term of mortal life ; 
A disease in which life and death, a3^c. 

So strangely blend, and seem the same, 
That death takes life's glow, and hue, and ray. 
And life, death's gaunt and grisly frame. 



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